There are differing opinions in the medical community on when screening for prostate cancer should begin.

• The American Cancer Society recommends that men with a life expectancy of ten years or more should be screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 50.
• If you are in a higher risk group, your doctor may advise you to be tested beginning at age 40.

Screening includes:

• Prostate Specific Antigen blood test or “PSA.”
• Digital Rectal Exam or “DRE.” For the DRE, your doctor will feel for any unusual growths on, or around, the prostate.

You are in a higher risk group if you:

• Have a family history of prostate cancer
• Are African American

African American men have a higher rate of prostate cancer. And, they are more likely to die from it. That means that early detection is extremely important within the African American community. In addition to these tests, new blood tests are becoming available to add to your doctor’s ability to detect prostate cancer.

More articles about prostate cancer:

• Risk Factors
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis and Staging
• PSA Testing
• Biopsy of the Prostate
• Treatment Options
• Medications
• Surgical Treatments
• Radiation Treatment
• Back to the Prostate Cancer Overview

For more information:

Go to the Prostate Cancer health topic.