Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 5/22/2025

At What Age Should Men Start Screening for Prostate Cancer?

Kenji Taylor

Reviewed by Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc

Family Medicine

Men should start discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor around age 50, but those at higher risk may need to start earlier.

answer background

Explanation

Prostate cancer screening is an important topic for men's health. Generally, men should begin talking to their doctor about screening when they turn 50. This can help catch any signs of cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Risk Factors

  • Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer should consider starting screening earlier, around age 40 or 45.
  • Race: African American men are at higher risk and should also think about earlier screening.

Screening Tests

  • PSA Test: The main test used is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which measures a substance in the blood that can be higher in men with prostate cancer.
  • Discuss with Doctor: It's important to talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening, as not all prostate cancers are life-threatening, and some treatments can have side effects.

By starting the conversation with your doctor at the right age, you can make informed decisions about your health.

(References)

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about diseases

Prostate Cancer

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom checker

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get a free AI-powered report on possible causes

Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.