What are the current guidelines for prostate cancer screening?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Prostate cancer screening guidelines recommend that men aged 55 to 69 talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of screening to make an informed decision. Men over 70 typically do not need routine screening. Key screening tools include the PSA blood test and digital rectal exam, and personal risk factors such as family history and race may influence timing.

Because prostate cancer symptoms often overlap with other common conditions, understanding what your body is telling you is an important first step. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, gauge urgency, and guide your next conversation with your doctor—so you can make screening decisions with clarity and confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if prostate cancer screening is right for you Discover what your PSA results may mean See if you need prostate cancer screening today Find OTC options for prostate-related urinary symptoms Find a doctor for prostate cancer screening Discover medically valid home remedies for prostate health Understand likely causes of prostate screening concerns

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Explanation

Prostate cancer screening is a way to find prostate cancer early. The guidelines suggest that men aged 55 to 69 talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of screening. This is because the decision to screen should be based on personal health, family history, and preferences.

Key Points:

Ages 55-69: Men should have a conversation with their doctor to decide if screening is right for them. This decision should consider their health and family history.
Ages 70 and older: Routine prostate cancer screening is generally not recommended, as the risks often outweigh the benefits.
Screening Tests: The most common test is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

It's important to remember that screening has both benefits and risks. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or want to better understand your health before your doctor's appointment, you can start by taking a free symptom checker test to help identify potential issues. Discussing these with a healthcare provider can help men make an informed choice that is best for their health situation.

(References)

Wei JT, Barocas D, Carlsson S, Coakley F, Eggener S, Etzioni R, et al. (2023). AUA/SUO Guideline Part I: Prostate Cancer Screening. The Journal of urology, 37096582.
Moses KA, Sprenkle PC, Bahler C, Box G, Carlsson SV, Catalona WJ, et al. (2023). Prostate Cancer Early Detection, Version 1.2023. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 36898362.
Xu J, McPharlin S, & Mulhem E. (2024). Prostate Cancer Screening: Common Questions and .... American family physician, 39556631.

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