Do You Need Prostate Cancer Testing?

Young, healthy people are typically less likely to develop certain diseases, which is why many screening tests are usually administered later in life. Doctors have standard guidelines that determine whether or not a patient will be referred for prostate cancer testing. However, individual risk factors may change your doctor's recommendations. If you are a young person who fits any of these descriptions, you may benefit from prostate cancer testing: 

1. You are younger than age 50.

Most men receive their first prostate cancer exam at age 50. However, men who are 40 years old and older may sometimes be submitted for prostate cancer testing. According to the American Cancer Society, people with genetic histories of prostate cancer should be tested at age 45, and those with genetic histories of early prostate cancer should be tested at age 40. Be sure to fully disclose your family medical history to your doctor so they can make the appropriate recommendations.

2. You have undergone gender-affirming surgery.

Transgender people sometimes undergo hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery to alleviate gender dysphoria. However, gender-affirming surgery does not confer protective effects against prostate cancer. Anyone with a prostate may develop this disease. That's why all people who have prostates should follow their doctors' testing recommendations. Transgender women and nonbinary people with prostates should talk to their doctors about the appropriate time to get screened for prostate cancer.

3. You have elevated PSA levels.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. These tests look for prostate-specific antigens in a patient's blood. High levels of PSA often indicate cancer, although not all men with abnormally high PSA readings are diagnosed with prostate cancer. If you have elevated PSA levels but a prostate biopsy found no cancerous cells, your doctor will recommend that you undergo blood tests more frequently. Annual or biannual PSA tests can monitor your PSA levels to ensure they do not rise further. Increasing levels of PSA may be cause for another biopsy.

4. You have recovered from prostate cancer.

Finally, men who have overcome prostate cancer in the past may sometimes experience relapses of this disease. In the years following the news that you have overcome prostate cancer, your doctor may suggest annual prostate cancer screening. This cautious approach to your health can help your doctors diagnose relapses as soon as possible, giving you the best chance of overcoming prostate cancer once again.

Contact your doctor to learn more about prostate cancer testing.