If they are performed, PSA tests should be conducted no more than every 4 years. "No evidence supports annual screening for prostate cancer," the ACP guidelines note.
The potential benefit of screening is vanishingly small for men older than 69 years – and for those expected to live no more than 15 years – because prostate cancer isn’t likely to cause any problems in the time they have left, the guidelines explain. For men younger than 50 years, the downstream harms "such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence carry even more weight relative to any potential benefit," according to the guidelines.
Dr. Golden, Dr. Kramer, and Dr. Shekelle said they have no relevant financial disclosures.
*This story was updated 4/10/13.