Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with over 191,000 new cases and 33,000 deaths predicted in the United States in 2020 alone.

Screening for prostate cancer is vitally important and the guidelines for screening have recently been updated by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid, which helps to transport and nourish sperm.

Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the prostate gland, which can eventually spread to other parts of the body.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing the disease:.

Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50.
Race: African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than Caucasian men.
Family history: Men with a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
Diet: A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity: Men who are obese may be at greater risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Screening for prostate cancer involves two tests:.

Digital rectal exam (DRE): In a DRE, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland for any abnormal lumps or bumps.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: In a PSA test, a blood sample is taken and sent to a lab to measure the level of PSA in the blood. High levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer.

While these tests can help detect prostate cancer, they can also produce false positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. In addition, prostate cancer can grow slowly and may not cause any symptoms or harm for many years.

New Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Screening

The new ACS guidelines recommend that men discuss the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their doctor, and make an informed decision based on their personal situation and preferences. The guidelines recommend that:.

Men at average risk should have the opportunity to begin screening at age 50.
Men at higher risk, such as African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, should begin screening earlier, at age 45.
Men with a particularly high risk, such as those with several close relatives who have had the disease at a young age, should begin screening at age 40.

The new guidelines also recommend that men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years, such as older men or those with other serious health problems, should not be screened.

Conclusion

The updated ACS guidelines for prostate cancer screening reflect a more personalized approach to healthcare. Men should discuss their individual risk factors with their doctor to determine when and if screening is appropriate for them.