Cancer Screening Guidelines for Men

The cancer screening guidelines below are recommended for people at average risk for cancer with no specific symptoms. People who have an increased risk for particular cancers may need to follow a different screening schedule such as starting at an earlier age or being screened more often. Symptoms that could be cancer related should be discussed with a physician without delay.

20 to 44 Years of Age

Every three years

• Examination for cancer of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes and testes

45 to 49 Years of Age (All of the above in addition to the following)

Every year

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE) for men at high risk for prostate cancer (African-American men or men with a father, brother or son with prostate cancer at a young age)

50 Years of Age and Older (All of the above in addition to the following)

Every year

• PSA and DRE for prostate cancer

Begin one of the following test schedules for colon cancer screening.

• Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT*) and colonoscopy every 10 years or as recommended based on results of first colonoscopy)**
• Annual FOBT in addition to flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.**

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*For FOBT, the take-home multiple sample method should be used.
**A digital rectal examination should be done at the same time as signoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

Source: American Cancer Society Screening Guidelines