ACS Updates Prostate Cancer Screening Guidance

The American Cancer Society now recommends PSA screening every two years for average-risk men ages 50 to 69, and annually starting at 45 for Black men and men with a strong family history; men with multiple close relatives diagnosed at an early ages may be advised to start at 40. Men age 70 and older should generally discuss screening with a clinician, considering their health and life expectancy. The guidance reflects evidence that screening can reduce prostate cancer deaths and concern about rising rates of advanced disease. To limit harms, it highlights repeat testing and MRI before biopsy, as well as active surveillance; screening can still lead to false positives, unnecessary biopsies or treatment, and lasting side effects, and PSA is not a diagnosis. Other medical organizations have different screening recommendations.