By — Lauren Neergaard, Associated Press Lauren Neergaard, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/what-men-need-to-know-after-a-major-update-to-prostate-cancer-guidelines Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter What men need to know after a major update to prostate cancer guidelines Health Nov 13, 2026 12:58 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Middle-aged men should undergo regular screening for prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society said Thursday in a major change to its guidelines. The screening involves a simple blood test, and men at average risk of getting prostate cancer should receive that PSA test every two years between the ages of 50 and 69, the cancer society advised. Grow your mind Subscribe to our Science Newsletter to explore the wide worlds of science, health and technology. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Men at high risk, including Black men and men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should get yearly PSA checks and start earlier, at age 45. Thursday's guideline update marks a shift in…
What men need to know after a major update to prostate cancer guidelines
In short
The revised guidance moves away from the 2010 recommendation that merely urged average-risk men to weigh screening pros and cons with their doctors. While high-risk individuals and those with multiple affected relatives require annual testing starting at age 45, those with a single relative diagnosed after 65 only need tests every two years. To minimize unnecessary procedures, physicians can now use repeat tests and MRI scans to assess whether a biopsy is truly warranted. Screening becomes optional after a medical consultation at age 70 and is actively discouraged for men reaching age 80.
Key points
- Modern diagnostic and active surveillance methods have reduced the historical harms assoc…: Modern diagnostic and active surveillance methods have reduced the historical harms associated with the overtreatment of slow-growing tumors.
- Family history dictates screening frequency, requiring annual tests for multiple affected…: Family history dictates screening frequency, requiring annual tests for multiple affected relatives but only biennial tests if a single relative was diagnosed after 65.
- Routine screening is not recommended for men with under a 10-year life expectancy and is…: Routine screening is not recommended for men with under a 10-year life expectancy and is actively discouraged once individuals reach age 80.