Regular prostate cancer screening recommended in new guidelines

The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines, recommending regular prostate cancer screening for middle-aged men. This change involves a simple blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which men at average risk should undergo every two years between the ages of 50 and 69. High-risk men, including Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should start testing earlier at age 45 and have yearly screenings.

The updated guidelines mark a shift in perspective towards routine PSA tests, acknowledging that early detection without overtreatment is crucial. While prostate cancer is highly survivable when caught early, over-treatment and unnecessary follow-ups were concerns in past widespread testing. The new advice stems from advances in understanding how regular testing can catch cancer before it spreads and how to minimize potential harms.

Factors such as repeating a PSA test, using MRI scans, and monitoring low-risk tumors are now considered. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of a doctor-patient conversation about the pros and cons of screening, as risk factors vary among individuals.