Prostate Screening (PSA)
The American Cancer Society (ACS) encourages men to have a discussion with a healthcare provider about whether prostate cancer screening is appropriate for them.1 For those who choose to have prostate cancer screening, the ACS recommends the PSA blood test for individuals in the following risk categories:
Men 50 years of age with an average risk of developing prostate cancer and no underlying health conditions that may reduce life expectancy
Men 45 years of age with a high risk of developing prostate cancer, including African American men and those with an immediate family member who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65
Men 40 years of age with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, such as individuals with multiple immediate family members with prostate cancer who were diagnosed at an early age
Prostate cancer screening is not recommended for men who do not meet these criteria. Speak with your primary care provider to better understand your own risk.
What's tested
The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and urinary system. The prostate's main role is to produce seminal fluid that helps carry semen during ejaculation. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate by both cancerous and noncancerous cells. The PSA test measures the levels of PSA in the blood and is often used to screen for prostate cancer in men without symptoms.
Please note: The PSA screening by itself cannot tell you if you have prostate cancer, but it can tell your provider whether more testing is needed. PSA levels may also be high if you have a noncancerous condition like an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). This test can help identify these problems so you can make informed decisions about your health.