What men need to know after a major update to prostate cancer guidelines

WASHINGTON (AP) — Middle-aged men should undergo regular screening for prostate cancer, the American Cancer Society said Thursday in a major change to its guidelines.The screening involves a simple blood test, and men at average risk of getting prostate cancer should receive that PSA test every two years between the ages of 50 and 69, the cancer society advised.Men at high risk, including Black men and men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should get yearly PSA checks and start earlier, at age 45.Thursday’s guideline update marks a shift in thinking about routine blood tests for PSA, or prostate-specific antigen.Since 2010, the cancer society has recommended that men at average risk talk with their doctors about whether and how often to get PSA tests. That’s a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells, meaning a high level might signal a tumor but also could be from a benign enlarged prostate or be a temporary spike from vigorous exercise.Catching pros