American Cancer Society Issues New Guidance for Routine Prostate Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has significantly updated its guidelines for prostate cancer screening, now recommending that men routinely get screened with a PSA test. This new guidance marks a reversal from the previous 2010 guidelines, which did not include universal recommendations for routine screening.

Men at average risk are advised to undergo a PSA test every two years from age 50 to 69. For those at higher risk, earlier and more frequent testing is recommended.

Highlights

• Men at average risk should get a PSA test every two years between ages 50 and 69.
• High-risk groups, such as Black men and those with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should start annual testing at age 45.
• The new guidelines are based on updated evidence since 2010, indicating that screening saves lives.
• Advances in case management are highlighted as a way to avoid the harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
• For high PSA results, repeat testing, prostate MRI, or biomarker tests are recommended before proceeding directly to a biopsy.

Details

According to the ACS's new guidelines, men at average risk should have a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test every two years from ages 50 to 69. Black men, who have higher rates of prostate cancer, are advised to begin yearly testing at age 45. Non-Black men with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 should also start yearly testing at 45.

Men aged 70 to 74 should consult their doctor about continuing screening, while those 75 and older are not recommended for screening. The new guidance emphasizes that screening has been shown to save lives and that advancements in case management can mitigate the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Dr. Shanthi Sivendran, interim chief patient officer for the ACS, stated, "By catching aggressive cancers with a simple PSA blood test, you open the door to highly effective treatments that protect your future."

Why it matters

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S. In 2026, an estimated 334,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and over 36,320 are projected to die from the disease. These new guidelines aim to reduce these numbers through earlier detection and appropriate management strategies, while also preventing unnecessary treatments.