Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men.

While it is a serious illness, most men do not die from it, especially if it is caught early. When prostate cancer is found and treated early, it can be cured or controlled.

Nearly all men diagnosed survive at least five years, with 98% surviving at least 10 years and 96% at least fifteen years.

Doctor with patient talking about screening

When to Screen for Prostate Cancer

Your provider will review your health history and risk factors and determine the best prostate cancer screening plan for you. OSF HealthCare follows the American Cancer Society prostate cancer screening guidelines, which recommend:

Age 45 – Talk to your doctor about getting screened if you have a father or brother who had prostate cancer or are Black.
Age 50 – Talk to your doctor about getting screened if you are at average risk. Your doctor will review the benefits of testing with you so you can decide together if it’s right for you.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Your care team will review several factors which can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, including:

Age – Rare in men under 40, most cases occur in men over the age of 65.
Family history – Having a close relative with prostate cancer increases your risk, especially if it was diagnosed at a younger age or if multiple relatives are affected.
Ethnicity – Black men have the highest risk, while Asian and Hispanic men have the lowest risk.
Genetics – Inherited mutations, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, are linked to increased risk.
Diet – A diet high in red and processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk.
Obesity – Being overweight or obese has been linked to a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Exposure to certain chemicals – Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, like cadmium or Agent Orange, may increase your risk.

Types of Prostate Cancer Screenings

Your provider will review your prostate cancer screening options with you so you can determine together which will work best for you. There are several methods used to test for prostate cancer.

The two most common tests are:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – This test measures the levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may suggest prostate cancer, but they can also result from non-cancerous conditions like prostate enlargement or infection. If PSA levels are high, further testing is usually recommended.
Digital rectal examination – A digital rectal exam is often performed with the PSA screening.

If the results of the PSA test or digital rectal exam are abnormal or suspicious, more tests may be recommended, including:

Prostate biopsy – A small tissue sample is removed from the prostate gland, typically using ultrasound guidance. The tissues get checked for cancer cells in a lab.
Imaging tests – Imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI or CT scans are used to get a clear picture of the prostate and nearby tissues. This helps doctors see the size, location and spread of any tumors to guide treatment decisions.
Getting a second PSA test – If initial blood PSA level is higher than normal, it doesn’t always mean that you have prostate cancer. Many men with higher-than-normal PSA levels do not have cancer.
A referral to a urologist

What to Expect During Your Prostate Cancer Screening

A digital rectum exam is performed during a routine doctor’s visit. Your prostate gland is located below the bladder near the entrance to the rectum.

What to Expect During Your Digital Rectum Exam

Your health care provider will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel the prostate gland. They will check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or hard areas, which could suggest the presence of prostate cancer. The procedure is painless and only lasts a few seconds.

What to Expect During Your PSA Blood Test

Your provider can draw your blood for this test during your appointment with other normal bloodwork, or you can have it done in a lab. It will be analyzed in a lab. Your results will be available in a few days. Your provider will review them with you and discuss next steps.

Get Started

There isn’t a standard approach to prostate cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and family history to come up with a plan that works best for you. If you don’t have an primary care provider, find one near you in our provider directory.

Find A Provider