New York, Ny, November 14, 2026: New recommendations from the American Cancer Society call for more regular prostate cancer screening, with earlier and more frequent testing for men at higher risk of the disease. Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, Professor and Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is available to discuss what the updated guidelines mean for men and why early detection matters.
“Regular prostate cancer screening is one of the most important steps men can take to protect their health. This is especially true for men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer,” says Dr. Tewari. “If your father or brother has had prostate cancer, you should not wait until you develop symptoms to talk with your doctor about screening. We have strong evidence that PSA testing can reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer, and advances in MRI and other diagnostic tools are helping us identify potentially dangerous cancers while avoiding unnecessary procedures. Knowing your risk, getting screened regularly, and having these conversations early can save lives.”
Prostate cancer screening can save lives. Evidence shows that PSA-based screening can reduce a man's risk of dying from prostate cancer. The ACS now recommends:
- Men at average risk: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every two years from ages 50 to 69.
- Black men: Annual PSA screening from ages 45 to 69.
- Men with a strong family history: Annual screening from ages 45 to 69 for non-Black men with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65, or more than one first-degree relative diagnosed before age 65.
- Men with one first-degree relative diagnosed after age 65: PSA screening every two years from ages 45 to 69.
The updated guidelines also emphasize the role of follow-up testing. For most men with an elevated PSA, secondary testing, including MRI and/or biomarker testing, is recommended to help determine whether a prostate biopsy is necessary.
Men should discuss their individual risk factors, the potential benefits and limitations of screening, and the appropriate screening schedule with their physician.