New American Cancer Society guidelines: regular prostate cancer screening recommended under age and risk limits
Who should start screening
The society’s updated guidance calls for regular prostate cancer screening among middle-aged men. It recommends that Black men and men with a strong family history start yearly PSA checks at age 45.
For men at average risk, the society had advised since 2010 that they discuss whether and how often to get tested with a doctor. The new guidance continues to emphasize a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks.
Why PSA testing is complicated
PSA is a protein made by normal and cancerous prostate cells. A high result can point to a tumor, but it may also reflect a benign enlarged prostate or a temporary rise after vigorous exercise.
Prostate cancer is highly survivable when found early, but broad testing in the past was criticized for leading to treatment of slow-growing tumors and follow-up tests in men without cancer. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder said doctors can monitor some cases rather than move directly to surgery.
When screening may stop
The guidance says screening is not for men whose health makes it unlikely they will live another 10 years. Other men should discuss the choice with a doctor at age 70, when the benefits are less clear.
The society no longer recommends screening at 75, though particularly healthy men ages 75 to 79 may choose to continue. It discourages screening after men turn 80.
Symptoms and individual risk
Most prostate cancers do not cause early symptoms, according to the CDC. Possible signs include changes in urination, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the lower body.
Dr. Ash Tewari, who leads the urology department at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine in New York, said the guidance makes the choice clearer. He also stressed that patients’ risks differ, so recommendations are not the same for everyone.
Key points
- The American Cancer Society now recommends regular prostate cancer screening for middle-aged men.
- Black men and men with a strong family history should start yearly PSA checks at age 45.
- Men should discuss screening’s pros and cons with a doctor, especially at age 70.
- The society discourages screening after age 80 and says it is not for men unlikely to live another 10 years.