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Prostate cancer is so prevalent among men, it is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there is a nearly complete recovery rate if prostate cancer is detected early. There aren’t always noticeable symptoms of the disease, so screening tests are the best way to ensure early detection. When should men start being screened? It depends on each individual’s overall health and their risk for developing the disease.

The American Cancer Society now advises men at high risk for developing prostate cancer to be screened annually starting at age 40. If you are at low risk, annual screening may begin as late as age 50. Screening tests can be done right in your physician’s office and involve a simple blood test or PSA as well as a digital rectal exam or DRE.
What are some of the risk factors that can help you decide when you should be screened? Advancing age is one risk factor, and the risk of diagnosis increases sharply after age 40. Another risk is race, with African American males being at a much higher risk for developing and dying from prostate cancer than Caucasians. A family medical history of prostate cancer also places men at an increased risk.

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