Question: When should I be screened for prostate cancer?
Answer: There are two methods to screen for prostate cancer - the digital rectal exam and the PSA.
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly testing for men beginning at age fifty.
Men who are higher risk should begin at age 45. Higher risk people include those who have immediate family members who have suffered from prostate cancer (father, brother). African American men are also more at rish for prostate cancer, and should begin testing at 45.
Discuss with your doctor when the right time to begin yearly exams. Together, you can make a decision based on your personal health needs.
Want to know more about prostate cancer screening?
- How long does it take to perform a prostate exam?
- What is a normal PSA level?
- What exactly does it mean when a person has a high PSA level?
- What to Expect During a DRE
