At What Age Should I Be Tested for Prostate Cancer?

You may have heard different opinions from friends and family or seen conflicting advice online about when to be tested for prostate cancer. According to the CDC, about 13% of American men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, with approximately 2% to 3% dying from prostate cancer. As such, early screening and detection are important. Here are some of the most current medical guidelines on prostate cancer screening from a cancer center to help you determine what’s right for you.

When to Start Testing

Men should start discussing prostate cancer testing with their doctor at age 50. If you’re at higher risk due to your race or family history, a cancer center states you may need to begin screening as early as age 40 or 45. Your doctor can help assess your individual risk factors and decide on an appropriate screening timeline for you.

During your late 40s and into your 50s, get into the habit of asking your doctor whether you should receive prostate cancer testing yet. Don’t wait until you have symptoms, as they usually don’t appear until the cancer has already spread. Getting tested early gives you the best chance of catching and treating any cancer before it becomes advanced.

How Often to Get Tested

If your first screening comes back normal, you likely won’t need yearly testing right away. Many major cancer centers now recommend repeat testing every two to four years if you are at average risk. Repeat screening gives your doctor more opportunities to catch cancer early on but also minimizes harm from false positives or unnecessary biopsies. If you have any worrisome test results or develop urinary symptoms, contact your doctor to determine if more frequent retesting is necessary. As you enter your 60s and 70s, your doctor may advise moving to yearly prostate cancer checks.

Choosing Your Screening Method

Today, two tests exist for routine prostate cancer screening. The PSA blood test measures your level of prostate-specific antigen, which can become elevated from cancer. Your doctor may also perform a DRE, or digital rectal exam, to manually check your prostate gland for abnormalities. Talk to your doctor about whether one test or a combination makes the most sense for you. In general, PSA testing combined with DRE provides the most accurate results.

Prostate cancer testing guidelines continue to evolve. Have an open discussion with your doctor about your personal risk profile and what age to commence screening. If you have any questions about prostate cancer, reach out to Phoenix CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center today for accurate answers.

Posted 1/22/24