The American Cancer Society (ACS) updated their guidelines for prostate cancer screenings on Thursday, Nov. 12 to underscore the importance of early screening and detection. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States.
For men ages 50-69 who are at average-risk of prostate cancer, the updated guidelines now recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every two years.
Previously, the guidelines stated for men turning 50 to begin discussing with their provider if PSA testing is recommended for them.
Chris Waits, who serves as executive director of Oncology at Spencer Cancer Center, says the updated guidelines shift prostate cancer screenings from shared-decision making for an optional screening to a more active recommendation aimed at early detection.
“The key change is the strength of the recommendation regarding when to begin screening for prostate cancer,” Waits said. “Routine screenings are now strongly recommended every two years starting at age 50 for men at average risk rather than being left entirely to individual discussion and choices.”
For men who are at higher-risk for the disease—specifically Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer—the recommendation has shifted from simply considering PSA screening at age 45 to actually beginning annual screenings at that age.
Waits says that the updated guidelines reflect evidence showing the benefits of PSA screenings, along with the growing use of strategies that aim to reduce unnecessary biopsies or treatments for prostate cancer.
“Prostate cancer is highly treatable when found early, and greater awareness of screening recommendations can meaningful improve outcomes,” he said. “We encourage men to understand their individual risk factors and talk with their healthcare providers about whether PSA screening is right for them.”
About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 336-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency care, outpatient services and surgery, while its campus also features a nursing home. East Alabama Health employs about 4,200 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.
