Nearly two-thirds of men ages 55 to 69 have not been screened for prostate cancer, according to a recent poll from the American Cancer Society. As a result, the rate of advanced-stage prostate cancer is increasing for the first time in decades.
Dr. John Pirani, chief medical officer at Gadsden Regional Medical Center and a urology specialist with Clinical Urology Associates, said men at average risk should consider discussing screening with their doctor around age 50.
“Understanding your risk factors is one of the first steps to decide whether to get screened for prostate cancer and when that screening should occur,” said Dr. Pirani. “African American men and men who have a family history of prostate cancer should talk with their doctor about getting screened as early as age 45. Screening can save lives, especially since prostate cancer typically has few symptoms until it becomes more advanced.”
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, behind skin cancer. An estimated 313,780 cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2025. It is also the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men, behind lung cancer. Most cases are diagnosed in men 65 and older; it is rare in men under 40.
The most common screening method is a PSA blood test, which measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Pirani noted that while a PSA test does not diagnose prostate cancer, it can indicate the need for further testing.
He added that men of any age should see a doctor if they have difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, or experience erectile dysfunction. While these symptoms are not always linked to prostate cancer, they may still require medical attention.
Discussions about prostate cancer screening are often part of an annual wellness exam for men over 50.
