Screening for Prostate Cancer

Overview

Cancer screening means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms. The goal of screening for prostate cancer is to find cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated, and to find them early before they spread.

There is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. The main screening test is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Some doctors may also use a digital rectal examination (DRE).

Prostate cancer screening tests may be covered by your health insurance policy. Check with your plan to find out which tests are covered for you.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test

This blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance the prostate makes. The level of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. Other conditions that are not cancer can also raise the PSA level.

The higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect the PSA level. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others.

PSA levels also can be affected by:

• Certain medical procedures.
• Certain medications.
• An enlarged prostate.
• A prostate infection.

Because many factors can affect PSA levels, your doctor is the best person to interpret your PSA test results. If the PSA test is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to find out if you have prostate cancer. Learn more about diagnosing prostate cancer.

Digital rectal examination (DRE)

DRE is when a clinician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into a man's rectum to feel the prostate for anything abnormal. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend DRE as a screening test because of a lack of evidence on the benefits.

Screening recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent group of medical experts, recommends:

• Men who are 55 to 69 should make their own decision about being screened for prostate cancer with a PSA test.
• Before deciding, men should talk to their doctor about the benefits and risks of screening for prostate cancer, including the benefits and risks of other tests and treatment.
• Men who are 70 and older should not be screened for prostate cancer routinely.

This recommendation applies to men who:

• Are at average or increased risk for prostate cancer.
• Do not have symptoms of prostate cancer.
• Have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Other organizations may have other recommendations.

Are you thinking about getting screened?

Learn about the possible benefits and risks of screening and talk to your doctor about your personal risk of getting prostate cancer.

Resources

Video

Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer? helps men understand their prostate cancer screening options.

Fact sheets

Facts about Prostate Cancer provides an overview of symptoms, screening, and treatment options for general audiences, African American men, and Hispanic or Latino men.

More information

• Prostate Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version (National Cancer Institute)
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test (National Cancer Institute)