According to the Canadian Urological Association (AUC), the PSA test should generally be offered to any man, aged 50 and over with a life expectancy of at least ten years. A man at risk, that is to say with a history of cancer or of African origin, would undoubtedly benefit from considering taking these tests from the age of 45. Similar recommendations from the Canadian Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Canada, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF / USA), Prostate Cancer UK, are other examples. 

Also, according to the Canadian Urological Association (AUC), screening should be discontinued in men at the age of 70 with no symptoms after a discussion with their doctor.

Medically reviewed by Endo-Urologist Malek Meskawi on 08/08/2022

New screening guidelines
Ideally, a complete screening should include a blood test combined with a digital rectal examination. But if we had to prioritize one of these two screening tools, the blood test would be at the top of the list. And for many, this test should be performed on an annual basis. However, this is not necessarily the case. To understand screening guidelines in Canada, one must understand what a PSA level is.

PSA and fertility
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein secreted by healthy cells of your prostate, whose role is, among other things, to liquefy semen in order to facilitate the movement of your spermatozoa and to keep it under liquid form after ejaculation. As PSA is found in very small quantities in your blood, a blood test can measure its level.

The PSA level – The closer it gets to zero, the healthier your prostate is
This means that when its level is high, the PSA indicates that there is a problem with your prostate, but it is not necessarily prostate cancer. Blood levels can rise as a result of various prostate disorders, such as infection or inflammation of your prostate, benign hyperplasia (BPH), or cancer, or sometimes for no apparent reason.

Annual screening? Nope!
Going back to the screening guidelines, if you do, after discussion with your doctor, a PSA test and your level is less than 1, the next blood test, ideally with a digital rectal examination, should take place in 4 years; in 2 years if your rate is between 1 and 3, more regularly if your rate is higher than 3.

Your doctor told you no to a PSA test?
It is certain that if you have risk factors such as a family history of cancer or if you are a black man, your doctor should talk to you about screening if you do not initiate the subject.

If you have no risk factors, are 50 years old and want prostate cancer screening, know that it is your right and not a privilege. But it will be important to have a discussion with your doctor to weigh together the pros and cons of such an approach. It could create some anxiety on your side in the event of an abnormal result, save your life in the event of the presence of cancer or quite simply motivate you to take charge of yourself to change your lifestyle habits, having been made aware of this disease, the most widespread in men.

Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease, our expert lectures and webinars, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you, our events and ways to get involved in advancing the cause.

You have questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate. You can chat with us or contact us at 1-855-899-2873 to discuss with one of our nurses specialized in uro-oncology. They are there to listen, support and answer your questions, as well as those of your family or loved ones. It’s simple and free, like all of our other services.

Pages on our site that might interest
Want to know more? Just click on one of the links below.
Am I at risk
Signs and symptoms

PROCURE blog articles that will enlighten you
Every week, we publish a blog article. Here are a few for you.
Top 5 Questions Answered in 2021
Men’s Health – 10 Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Gentlemen – Shall we talk about your heart risks?

Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2022