Early Detection Guidelines
The American Cancer Society, the American Urological Association, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend that health care professionals offer the option of testing for early detection of prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE), yearly to men once they reach a certain age. They also recommend discussing the potential benefits, side effects, and questions regarding early prostate cancer detection and treatment so that men can make informed decisions about testing. The following are specific recommendations by these organizations:
 What the American Cancer Society Recommends
Annual PSA and DRE
- Begin at age 50
- Anticipated life expectancy of 10 years or more
- Begin at age 45 (high risk)
- First degree relative (father, brother, son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at early age (before age 65)
- African-American
- Begin at age 40 (higher risk)
- Multiple first degree relatives (father, brother, son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at early age (before age 65)
What the American Urological Association Recommends
 Annual PSA and DRE
- Begin at age 50
- Anticipated life expectancy of 10 years or more
- Begin at age 45 (high risk)
- First degree relative (father, brother, son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at early age (before age 65)
- African-American
- Begin at age 40 (higher risk)
- Multiple first degree relatives (father, brother, son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at early age (before age 65)
- PSA < 1.0 ng/mL, no additional testing until age 45
- PSA > 1.0 ng/mL but < 2.5 ng/dl, annual testing
- PSA ≥ 2.5 ng/mL, further evaluation with biopsy
What the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Recommends
 Annual PSA and DRE
- Begin at age 50
- Anticipated life expectancy of 10 years or more
- Begin at age 45
- African-American
- Two or more first degree relatives (father, brother, son)
- PSA > 0.6 ng/mL at age 45
- Begin at age 40
- PSA > 0.6 ng/mL at baseline screening
to top 
|
