2. Your age
Though prostate cancer can affect men of all ages, it is very rare in younger men. The chances of developing this type of cancer significantly increase with age. Most cases of prostate cancer appear in men who are 50 years of age or older, which is why health experts recommend men have an exam once they reach the age of 50.
More than 80 percent of men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are 65 years of age or older; however, if you have a family history of cancer, having a screening by the age of 40 is recommended. After having your first screening, the time until your next screening depends on the results of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. If your PSA is below 2.5 ng/mL, retesting every 2 years is recommended; if it is below this level, a yearly prostate examination is highly suggested.