Cancer Society Backs Biennial PSA Tests for Men 50-69
The updated American Cancer Society guidance recommends PSA blood testing every two years for average-risk men ages 50 to 69.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Men’s Health
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The American Cancer Society recommends PSA blood tests every two years for average-risk men ages 50 to 69, a shift from its 2010 guidance, which left testing to physician discretion. The organization also advises yearly screening starting at age 45 for Black men and men with a strong family history of prostate cancer.
Why it matters
The recommendation reflects recent findings that PSA screening reduced disease-specific mortality for certain men, while the added steps aim to limit overdiagnosis, overtreatment and unnecessary biopsies. Coverage decisions for U.S. patients are separately governed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has not changed its position and still recommends against routine, population-wide PSA screening.
The guidance is based on a society recommendation rather than a trial, with a PSA of 3.0 ng/mL or higher treated as high for men aged 45 to 69. Which biomarkers best predict aggressive cancer remains under study, and the guidelines do not favor one biomarker over another.
The players
American Cancer Society
A national nonprofit focused on cancer research, prevention and patient support that publishes widely followed cancer screening guidelines.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
An independent panel of federal health experts whose recommendations determine which preventive services insurers must cover.
The details
Under the updated guidance, two elevated PSA readings are followed by an MRI and/or testing for other biomarkers before any biopsy is considered. Screening decisions after age 70 are individualized, and screening should stop after age 80 or in men not expected to live another 10 years.
Timeline
2010: The prior guidelines dropped routine PSA screening recommendations.
2025: New evidence on PSA screening became available.
November 12, 2026: The American Cancer Society announced its revised screening guidelines.
Big Picture
The American Cancer Society's position diverges from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, whose recommendations set insurance coverage rules and which still advises against routine, population-wide PSA screening. The Task Force has announced an upcoming update to its own prostate cancer screening guidelines.
Men ages 50 to 69 at average risk may be advised to ask a doctor about biennial PSA testing, while Black men and those with a strong family history may consider starting yearly screening at age 45. Insurance coverage for PSA tests will depend on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's separate recommendations.
The takeaway
Men should discuss their personal prostate cancer risk, including family history and race, with a doctor before deciding whether and how often to get PSA testing. Ask about the MRI and biomarker steps that may follow an elevated result.
What happens next
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has announced an upcoming update to its prostate cancer screening guidelines, which will determine insurance coverage requirements.
Further reading
Explore more on Men's Health for context on prostate cancer screening decisions.
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Would you get a routine PSA blood test every two years starting at 50?
