Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

American Cancer Society Revises Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines: What You Need To Know

BidenAmid rising <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/prostate-cancer">prostate cancer</a></span> cases, the <span>American <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a> Society</span> (ACS) has revised its screening guidelines, recommending earlier testing for men at higher risk to improve early detection.

Prostate <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the US. An estimated 333,830 men will be diagnosed and more than 36,000 will die from the disease in 2026.

Updated for the first time since 2010, the guidelines, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, introduce age- and risk-based screening schedules. They aim to detect potentially aggressive cancers while limiting unnecessary tests and treatment.

Former President Joe Biden urged men to get tested for prostate cancer after the American Cancer Society changed its screening guidelines, four days after he said his own fight with the disease has been slowing him down.

"I know firsthand the toll of this disease, and I know that catching it early saves lives. So talk to your doctor, get screened, and let’s keep working to end cancer as we know it," Biden shared in a post on X.

<h2>What Has Changed In The New Screening Guidelines?</h2>

Previously, the ACS recommended that men discuss the benefits and risks of screening with their doctors without prescribing a specific schedule.

The revised guidelines recommend prostate-specific antigen (<span>PSA</span>) blood tests at different intervals based on age and risk.

1. <strong>Men At Average Risk</strong>: Ages 50–69: PSA testing every two years.

<ul><li>Begin screening at 45, with annual PSA testing until age 69.</li></ul>Non-Black men with a family history:

Men with an affected father, brother or son should begin screening at 45 and continue through age 69.

<ul><li>Annually: If a close relative was diagnosed before 65, or more than one close relative has had prostate cancer.</li><li>Every two years: If only one close relative was diagnosed at 65 or older.</li></ul>

Men with inherited conditions such as BRCA2 mutations, or those with a close relative carrying a high-risk mutation who have not been tested, should discuss screening with their doctor.

3. <strong>Screening After Age 70</strong>

<ul><li>Ages 70–74: Discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor. Those opting for screening should undergo PSA testing every two years.</li><li>Ages 75–79: Screening is not routinely recommended. Exceptionally healthy men with rising PSA levels may discuss continuing with their doctor.</li><li>Age 80 and above: Screening is discouraged.</li></ul>

Screening is also not recommended at any age for men in poor health who are not expected to live another 10 years.

<h2>What Happens If Your PSA Level Is High?</h2>

An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean prostate cancer or an immediate need for a biopsy. The ACS considers PSA levels high at:

<ul><li>3 ng/mL or higher in men younger than 70.</li><li>6.5 ng/mL or higher in men aged 70 and above.</li></ul>

If elevated, the test should be repeated, preferably within two weeks to three months. If levels remain high, further evaluation may include:

<ul><li>Prostate MRI: To identify suspicious areas.</li><li>Biomarker testing: To assess cancer risk.</li><li>Prostate biopsy: To confirm cancer when indicated.</li></ul>

These additional steps can help avoid unnecessary biopsies and reduce screening-related harms.

<h2>Active Surveillance For Low-Risk Prostate Cancer</h2>

For men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, the ACS recommends active surveillance as the initial management approach. This involves:

<ul><li>Regular PSA testing.</li><li>Periodic biopsies.</li><li>MRI scans, when appropriate.</li></ul>

Treatment may be considered if monitoring shows that the cancer is becoming more aggressive.

<h2>Prostate Cancer: Why Early Screening Matters?</h2>

"Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause signs and symptoms, which is why screening is important," said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the ACS.

<ul><li>Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream.</li><li>Frequent urination, particularly at night.</li><li>Blood in the urine or semen.</li></ul>

Advanced prostate cancer may cause bone pain if the disease spreads to the bones or other organs.

However, these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than cancer. Men experiencing them should consult a doctor.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

american-cancer-society-revises-prostate-cancer-screening-guidelines-what-you-need-to-know

prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

american cancer society

Cancer

delhi-air-pollution-are-online-classes-and-indoor-time-adding-to-childrens-anxiety

Delhi Air Pollution: Are Online Classes And Indoor Time Adding To Children's Anxiety?

yoga-is-the-biggest-zero-cost-healthcare-treatment-says-pm-narendra-modi

Yoga Is The Biggest Zero-Cost Healthcare Treatment, Says PM Narendra Modi

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

BidenAmid rising prostate cancer cases, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has revised its screening guidelines, recommending earlier testing for men at higher risk to improve early detection.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the US. An estimated 333,830 men will be diagnosed and more than 36,000 will die from the disease in 2026.Updated for the first time since 2010, the guidelines, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, introduce age- and risk-based screening schedules. They aim to detect potentially aggressive cancers while limiting unnecessary tests and treatment.Former President Joe Biden urged men to get tested for prostate cancer after the American Cancer Society changed its screening guidelines, four days after he said his own fight with the disease has been slowing him down."I know firsthand the toll of this disease, and I know that catching it early saves lives. So talk to your doctor, get screened, and let’s keep working to end cancer as we know it," Biden shared in a post on X.What Has Changed In The New Screening Guidelines?Previously, the ACS recommended that men discuss the benefits and risks of screening with their doctors without prescribing a specific schedule.The revised guidelines recommend prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests at different intervals based on age and risk.1. Men At Average Risk: Ages 50–69: PSA testing every two years.2. Men At Higher RiskBlack men:Begin screening at 45, with annual PSA testing until age 69.Non-Black men with a family history:Men with an affected father, brother or son should begin screening at 45 and continue through age 69.Annually: If a close relative was diagnosed before 65, or more than one close relative has had prostate cancer.Every two years: If only one close relative was diagnosed at 65 or older.Men with inherited genetic risk:Men with inherited conditions such as BRCA2 mutations, or those with a close relative carrying a high-risk mutation who have not been tested, should discuss screening with their doctor.3. Screening After Age 70Ages 70–74: Discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor. Those opting for screening should undergo PSA testing every two years.Ages 75–79: Screening is not routinely recommended. Exceptionally healthy men with rising PSA levels may discuss continuing with their doctor.Age 80 and above: Screening is discouraged.Screening is also not recommended at any age for men in poor health who are not expected to live another 10 years.What Happens If Your PSA Level Is High?An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean prostate cancer or an immediate need for a biopsy. The ACS considers PSA levels high at:3 ng/mL or higher in men younger than 70.6.5 ng/mL or higher in men aged 70 and above.If elevated, the test should be repeated, preferably within two weeks to three months. If levels remain high, further evaluation may include:Prostate MRI: To identify suspicious areas.Biomarker testing: To assess cancer risk.Prostate biopsy: To confirm cancer when indicated.These additional steps can help avoid unnecessary biopsies and reduce screening-related harms.Active Surveillance For Low-Risk Prostate CancerFor men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, the ACS recommends active surveillance as the initial management approach. This involves:Regular PSA testing.Periodic biopsies.MRI scans, when appropriate.Treatment may be considered if monitoring shows that the cancer is becoming more aggressive.Prostate Cancer: Why Early Screening Matters?"Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause signs and symptoms, which is why screening is important," said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the ACS.When symptoms occur, they may include:Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream.Frequent urination, particularly at night.Blood in the urine or semen.Advanced prostate cancer may cause bone pain if the disease spreads to the bones or other organs.However, these symptoms can also indicate conditions other than cancer. Men experiencing them should consult a doctor.

american cancer society revises prostate cancer screening guidelines: what you need to know

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

American Cancer Society Revises Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines: What You Need To Know

15 Lakh Asymptomatic TB Cases Detected In India: How TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Is Driving Screening

What Is Viral Heightmaxxing? US Doctors Warn Teen Boys Against Taking Cancer Drug To Grow Taller

Global TB Deaths Fall 35% Since 2015, But 2030 Target Remains Distant: WHO

Health Conditions A-Z

American Cancer Society Revises Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines: What You Need To Know

Delhi Air Pollution: Are Online Classes And Indoor Time Adding To Children's Anxiety?

Yoga Is The Biggest Zero-Cost Healthcare Treatment, Says PM Narendra Modi