An estimated 334,000 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2026, prompting the American Cancer Society to update its guidelines.
New Screening Evidence Replaces 2010 Standards
In announcing the guidelines, the American Cancer Society says its updates are based on new evidence since 2010 that shows screening saves lives. Advances in case management can now avoid the concerning harms from overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
For many men with prostate cancer, their cancer will never grow or cause harm in their lifetime. Treatment runs the real risk of causing erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Follow New Steps for Prostate Cancer Testing
The new guidance from the American Cancer Society adds strict guardrails, starting with advising all men to be informed about the risks and benefits.
Should a PSA result be elevated—categorized as 3 ng/mL or higher for males under 70 alongside 6.5 ng/mL or higher for those aged 70 and older—the American Cancer Society advises having the test done again prior to moving forward.
If repeat testing is still high, men should get either a prostate MRI or a validated biomarker test to assess risk. Men should proceed directly to a prostate biopsy only when cancer is strongly suspected, such as following an exceptionally high PSA level.
For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, active surveillance should be the initial management strategy for those whose cancer appears to be at low risk of growing or spreading.
Managing Cancer Risks Through Testing and Surveillance
“By catching aggressive cancers with a simple PSA blood test, you open the door to highly effective treatments that protect your future,” said Dr. Shanthi Sivendran, interim chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society, in a statement. “Meanwhile, lower-risk findings can be safely managed through careful, active surveillance.”
Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men and stands as the second leading cause of cancer death in US men. Over 36,320 men are estimated to die from the disease in 2026.
