Early-stage prostate cancer cases have decreased. Advanced prostate cancer cases have increased. Both findings were the results of a new study that reviewed cases from 2005 to 2016.
During this time, federal guidelines recommended against prostate-specific androgen (PSA) screening. Guidelines recommended against PSA screening because its risks outweighed its benefits. There needs to be a balance between the detection of too many early cancers and detection that is too late. Detection of early cancers can lead to increased stress and unnecessary surgery.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends men begin screening at 40 if they:
- Have a family history of prostate cancer
- Have a family history of cancers that are genetically linked to prostate cancer
- Are African American
Men outside of these higher-risk categories should seek screening at 45.