Prostate cancer screenings and guidelines

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in American persons assigned male at birth and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in these individuals. Prostate cancer screenings help find prostate cancer when they are most treatable.

Not everyone needs a prostate cancer screening. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends the decision should start with an informed conversation between you and your health care provider and not be decided by age alone.

However, there are few guidelines that may help you decide if prostate cancer screenings are right for you. Those at higher risk for prostate cancer include people who are assigned male at birth and are over 50 years old, particularly those who are Black or are of African ancestry with a family history of prostate cancer.

Our prostate cancer team uses their expertise to get you the right screenings and tests for prostate cancer. Their efforts mean you experience a more efficient diagnosis process. They also ensure you connect with the right specialists for your care.

Penn Medicine expertise also includes prostate cancer genetics. If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you have an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. Through the Basser Center for BRCA, our researchers study new ways to treat and prevent BRCA-related cancers like prostate cancer. They use their experience to help you understand and manage your personal cancer risk so you and your doctor will have the accurate information needed to make informed screening decisions.