At what age should I start getting tested for prostate cancer?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Prostate cancer screening typically begins at age 50 for men at average risk. However, men at higher risk—including African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer—should consider starting earlier, often around age 40 to 45. Screening decisions should be personalized based on individual health, family history, and risk factors, so talking with a doctor is essential.

Because symptoms of prostate issues can overlap with other conditions—and early prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all—it's worth getting clarity on what you're experiencing before your next doctor's visit. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, understand your risk level, and prepare informed questions for your provider. Taking a few minutes now could help you take the right next step with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if prostate cancer testing is right See what your symptoms could mean Find out if prostate issues need care Learn OTC options for prostate symptoms Find a doctor for prostate concerns Understand medically proven prostate home remedies Check whether symptoms suggest prostate cancer

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Explanation

Prostate cancer screening typically begins at age 50 for most men. However, the decision to start screening can depend on several factors, including personal health and family history.

Key Points:

Age 50-54: According to one study, screening often starts in this age range, especially for those at average risk.
Risk Factors: Men with higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer, might need to start earlier.
Health Considerations: The choice to begin screening should also take into account overall health and life expectancy.

If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms or want to better understand your health status before speaking with your doctor, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential issues and prepare for your healthcare conversation.

(References)

US Preventive Services Task Force, Grossman DC, Curry SJ, Owens DK, Bibbins-Domingo K, Caughey AB, et al. (2018). Screening for Prostate Cancer: US Preventive Services .... JAMA, 29801017.
Merrill RM, Otto SA, & Hammond EB. (2022). Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening According to Health .... Prostate cancer, 35036010.
Carlsson S, Assel M, Ulmert D, Gerdtsson A, Hugosson J, Vickers A, & Lilja H. (2017). Screening for Prostate Cancer Starting at Age 50-54 Years. .... European urology, 27084245.

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