Cancer Screening Exams for Men

Cancer screening exams are medical tests done when you are healthy, with no signs of illness. They can find cancer early, when the chances for successfully treating the disease are greatest. MD Anderson recommends the following schedule of screening exams for men.

Ages 45-49

Beginning at age 45, you should speak with your health care provider about the benefits and risks of prostate screening to check for prostate cancer. If you are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor sooner.

If you choose prostate cancer screening, begin at age 45 with a baseline PSA test and strongly consider a baseline digital rectal exam. Continue testing as indicated by your previous test results.

If you are Black, get a colonoscopy every 10 years, starting at age 45. Other options include ONE of the following:

• virtual colonoscopy every five years
• stool-based DNA test every three years
• stool-based test every year
  

Ages 50-74

If you choose prostate cancer screening, continue testing as indicated by your previous test results.
Starting at age 50, get a colonoscopy every 10 years to check for colorectal cancer. Other options include ONE of the following:

• virtual colonoscopy every five years
• stool-based DNA test every three years
• stool-based test every year 

Age 75 and older

If you’re age 75 or older, your doctor can help you decide if you should continue screening for prostate and colorectal cancer. MD Anderson does not recommend colorectal cancer screening after age 85.

Regardless of your age, practice awareness. This means you should be familiar with your body so that you will notice changes and report them to your doctor without delay.