CA
A 24-year-old male asked:
What age do i need to get my prostate checked?
6 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Milleranswered
Family Medicine 11 years experience
40: The american cancer society recommends:
50 years for men at average risk.
45 years for men at higher risk (african american men, men with father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years).
40 years for men at highest risk (multiple fam members diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 65).
But i recommend every man start at age 40. The most aggressive cancers start younger.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Gulley commented
Hematology and Oncology 27 years experience
There is considerable controversy regarding whether screening for prostate cancer saves lives. Certainly cancers caught early can be cured however many men diagnosed with prostate cancer will end up dying from something else. There is no simple answer to this question rather it involves a detailed discussion with your physician.
Apr 6, 2013

Dr. Allen Seelyanswered
General Practice 32 years experience
Symptoms at ANY age: At any age prostatitis (prostate infection) can be diagnosed at an office appointment with primary care, or an urgent care visit. The er is rarely needed for prostate check except for urine retention (unable to urinate). A 'yearly' psa blood test for prostate cancer is now controversial but yearly screening can be done over 50 years old by your primary care provider. Good luck!
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Howard Usitaloanswered
Urology 41 years experience
Age: If one has a family history of prostate cancer, a psa blood test and rectal exam should start at 40, otherwise 50. All men should start having prostate exams at age 40.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Bassanswered
Urology 20 years experience
Depends: Current recommendations for prostate cancer screening varies by race and familial risk factors. I recommend anyone over the age of 50 should be screened yearly with an exam and psa blood test. People with family history or of african-american descent should start earlier.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. James Gulleyanswered
Hematology and Oncology 27 years experience
Prostate screening: There is significant controversy surrounding when and if to undergo screening for prostate cancer. For patients who have no symptoms most guidelines would suggest not screening men until at least page 40 to 50. Screening for testicular cancer in your age group is appropriate however.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. James Kuananswered
Urology 23 years experience
Usually age 40: As long as you are healthy, screening with prostate exam is generally started at age 40. This is especially important if your father or a brother has had prostae cancer. So unless you have urinary symptoms or prostate pain / symptoms you likely have a few years to go...
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 1, 2016
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