Screening and Detection

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The American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines on screening and early detection of prostate cancer recommend that a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test should be offered annually to men beginning at age 50, for men who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.1 However, men at increased risk of developing prostate cancer, such as African American men and men with a family history of 1 or more first-degree relatives (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, should begin annual DRE and PSA testing beginning at age 45.1 Additionally, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines on early detection of prostate cancer recommend that for men who choose to begin PSA screening, it is reasonable to consider obtaining a baseline PSA value at age 40.2
It is recommended that physicians discuss with their patients what is known and what is uncertain about the benefits and limitations of annual screening1,2, so men can make an informed decision.