Who should undergo regular screening for prostate cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends that men should not be screened before they have received information from their health care provider during a discussion regarding the uncertainties, risks and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. That discussion, which allows men to make an informed decision, should take place based on the following schedule:
- Age 50 for men who have an average risk for prostate cancer and an expectation of living at least 10 more years
- Age 45 for men in the high-risk group, such as African Americans and those men with a father, brother, or son that was diagnosed with before the age of 65 prostate cancer
- Age 40 for men who have more than one close relative (father, brother, or son) who had prostate cancer at an early age