Experts Urge Smarter Screenings as Prostate Cancer Rates Climb

Prostate cancer diagnoses are climbing again in the United States, rising about 3% each year since 2014, according to a study published by the American Cancer Society. 

1 in 8 men will develop #ProstateCancer in the United States over the course of a lifetime. New @AmericanCancer stats reveal current incidence and mortality trends you need to know.

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More men are also being diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. This trend isn’t surprising to Jingsong Zhang, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and interim vice chair of the Genitourinary Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center. 

“Cancer is an aging disease.  When people start to live longer, the incidence of cancer will go up. This is particularly true for prostate cancer,” Zhang said.  

Why the Rise? 

Experts point to two main drivers. In the early 2010s, guidelines recommended reducing prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood testing to avoid unnecessary biopsies and treatments. At the same time, more men are living long enough to develop prostate cancer. 

Screening Debate 

The general guidelines recommend stopping prostate cancer testing at ages 70 or 75. Zhang said that advice should be tailored to each patient. 

“Age is a number,” he said. “If we see someone at 75 who is very healthy and has a family history, that person could still benefit from a discussion on the pros and cons about PSA screening.”  

Men with a higher risk, such as those with a family history or African American men, may benefit from earlier or continued screening. 

Not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment. Many low-grade cases can be effectively managed through active surveillance, which involves regular PSA tests and close monitoring.  

This is really a discussion with your family doctor.

Jingsong Zhang, MD, PhD

The Takeaway 

Experts recommend having an open conversation with your health care provider.  

“This is really a discussion with your family doctor,” Zhang said. “If there is uncertainty, patients should be referred to a urologist.”