I am 43 years old and have had a digital prostate “exam” at my annual physicals since I turned 40. When should I start having my PSA tested?

Congratulations on your desire to be proactive in your health care through health checks. Routine "screening" for prostate cancer in a man with no symptoms of prostate cancer or with no family history is sometimes controversial. You should discuss the risks and benefits of checking your PSA with your primary care provider. Some major organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Urologic Association recommend a baseline PSA in men starting at age 45, or earlier with a family history of prostate cancer or in African Americans. At age fifty it is recommended to perform PSA annually by these groups until a man reaches a 10 year life expectancy or if other health problems are more life threatening.