September’s Live Well focus encourages men to break the silence, understand their risk and take charge of early detection.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and our Live Well focus is on raising awareness of this common cancer and encouraging candid conversations with primary care providers (PCPs). Many men assume “no symptoms” means “no problems,” but prostate cancer is often silent in its early stages making screenings an essential step in prevention and early detection.
The American Cancer Society recommends men begin discussing prostate screening between ages 45 and 50, depending on family history and race, two key factors that significantly affect early screening recommendations.
Screening Guidelines
- Ages 40–45: High-risk groups include Black men and men with a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 65. These men should discuss early screenings with their PCP.
- Ages 50–55: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends shared decision- making with a provider to determine if screening is right for you.
- Ages 70+: Routine screenings are no longer recommended.
A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. It is important to remember that PSA is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Your primary care provider can help determine if this test is appropriate for you.
Cultural expectations around men “toughing it out” can make health conversations difficult, particularly around prostate cancer. Regular visits with a PCP build a trusted healthcare partnership that normalizes these discussions and helps destigmatize “hard” topics.
3 Questions to Start the Conversation with Your PCP
- Am I at increased risk for prostate cancer, and when should I start the conversation about screening?
- What are the benefits and risks of a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for someone like me?
- If my PSA is elevated, what steps would you recommend before deciding on a biopsy or treatment?
The bottom line is if you are between the ages of 40 and 69, making a screening decision that reflects your personal values and risk is imperative. A 10-minute conversation with your provider could be the difference between catching cancer early, or not.
