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Chart: NCCN Guidelines for Early Detection (Age, Risk Factors, PSA Scores)

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Prostate Cancer Early Detection: 
Age Recommendations and PSA Levels Chart

Age 40-75 

for high-risk individuals including:
  • Black/African American individuals
  • Those with genetic mutations that increase the risk for prostate cancer
  • Those with concerning family or personal history of cancer

 

Age 45-75

for average-risk individuals
Discuss risk and benefits of prostate cancer screening with your doctor.
Have a baseline PSA and consider a baseline DRE.

Average-risk individuals:

  • If PSA is less than 1 ng/mL and DRE normal (if done), repeat testing very 2 - 4 years.
  • If PSA is 1-3 ng/mL and DRE normal (if done), repeat testing very 1 - 2 years.
  • If PSA is more than 3 ng/mL and/or a very suspicious DRE, talk with your doctor about further testing.

High-risk individuals:

  • If PSA is less than or equal to 3 ng/mL and DRE normal (if done), repeat testing every 1 - 2 years.
  • If PSA is more than 3 ng/mL and/or a very suspicious DRE, talk with your doctor about further testing.

Age 75+

Talk with your doctor about if prostate cancer screening should continue. Testing after age 74 is recommended only in very healthy individuals.
If screened, and PSA is 4 ng/mL or more, or a very suspicious DRE, talk with your doctor about further testing.

Based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network® Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Prostate Cancer Early Detection 2022.

 

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