The American Cancer Society says men should talk to their doctors about the benefits, risks, and limitations of prostate cancer screening before deciding whether to be tested. The group's guidelines make it clear that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testing should not occur unless this discussion happens. They recommend that most men at average risk for prostate cancer start the discussion at age 50 and those with higher risk for prostate cancer should start the discussion earlier. These discussions should occur beginning at age 40 or 45 depending on the risk factor.
The American Urological Association recommends that men ages 55 to 69 who are considering screening should talk with their doctors about the risks and benefits of testing and proceed based on their personal values and preferences.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says that testing may be appropriate for some men age 55 – 69. They recommend that men talk to their doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits of being tested.