At what age range should men consider screening for prostate cancer with a PSA test?

Men are generally recommended to begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their healthcare providers at age 55, making the age range of 55-69 years the suitable timeframe for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. This age group is critical because the risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and screening in this range can help identify cancer at a stage when it may be more treatable. The discussions between men and their healthcare team should address individual risk factors, such as family history and race, which can influence the decision to begin screening earlier or later.

Men younger than 55 might have other risk factors that warrant earlier discussions about screening, but the established guidelines typically suggest focusing screening efforts between the ages of 55 and 69 years. As men reach 70 years and older, the decision to screen should be individualized based on their health status and life expectancy, rather than following a strict recommendation for routine screening.