Myths and Facts About Prostate Cancer Screening
Understanding PSA blood tests, prostate cancer screening, and the power of early detection
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men. Protect yourself and save lives by learning the facts about prostate cancer and the power of screening with a simple PSA blood test — early detection saves lives.
Myth: Prostate cancer is rare.
Fact: 1 in 8 men — and 1 in 6 Black men — will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. In the U.S., a man is diagnosed every 90 seconds — 333,830 deaths in 2026, according to the American Cancer Society.
Myth: There is no way to screen for prostate cancer.
Fact: Prostate cancer screening starts with a simple blood test to measure PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level. PSA screening saves lives by detecting prostate cancer early, when it is 99% curable.
Myth: People don’t die of prostate cancer.
Fact: At least 36,320 U.S. men die of prostate cancer every year. Underscreening is a key reason.
Myth: I have no symptoms, so I don’t need to be screened.
Fact: By the time most men develop symptoms, prostate cancer has spread to bones or organs and can be treated but not cured. Do not wait for symptoms to get a PSA blood test – it can save your life.
Myth: I have no risk factors for prostate cancer, so I don’t need a PSA test.
Fact: Anyone with a prostate gland can develop prostate cancer. That’s why PCF recommends all men talk to their doctor about annual PSA screening starting by age 45, or by 40 for Black men and men with a family history of prostate, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or colon cancer, on either side of the family, father’s or mother’s.
Myth: A PSA test must be ordered by a specialist.
Fact: Most PSA tests are ordered by primary care providers: family medicine doctors, internists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. If your PSA is high, the provider may refer you to a urologist for more tests.
Myth: If my PSA is high, it means I need a biopsy right away.
Fact: A biopsy is the only way prostate cancer can be diagnosed, but other tests happen first because several prostate conditions can raise PSA level. If PSA is high, the doctor will usually repeat the test. If it’s still high, the doctor usually will recommend a prostate MRI to look for the cause and may also order blood or urine tests before recommending a biopsy.Key Take-Aways About Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer screening starts with a simple PSA blood test and saves lives by detecting prostate cancer early, when it’s 99% curable. Ask your doctor about annual PSA screening starting by age 45, or by 40 if you are a Black man or have a family history of cancer. If you are older, it is not too late to start PSA screening — early detection saves lives in men of all ages.