Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and the second-leading cause of cancer death among U.S. males, with one in eight men diagnosed during their lifetime,¹ yet fewer men are getting screened for prostate cancer and some misconceptions about prostate cancer persist.

Prostate cancer cases are rising by 3 percent annually in the United States, reversing a downward trend in new diagnoses, as screening rates have declined over the last 15 years, missing early-stage cases that are more curable.²

In response, prostate cancer screening is shifting away from a one‑size‑fits‑all approach toward risk‑adapted screening strategies— an approach that considers individual risk factors, such as race, age, family history, and baseline prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Updated screening guidelines

This spring, the American Urological Association released updated guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer to help with clinical decision-making in prostate cancer screening and follow-up. The updated guidelines recommend baseline PSA testing for average-risk patients beginning at 45–50 years old and at 40–45 years old for high-risk patients.³ In addition, the guidelines provide a valuable opportunity for patient education, conversations about screening, and shared decision-making based on risk level.

Gaps and opportunities in patient awareness

Despite prostate cancer being among the most common cancers in men, many do not talk about their prostate issues. Highlighted below are some of the most noteworthy opportunities for patient education and engagement.

• Family history: First-degree relatives (fathers, sons, or brothers) who have had prostate cancer, including relatives in three generations on a mother’s or father’s side of the family, increase a man’s risk level.⁴
• Ethnicity: Black men have a 67 percent higher risk for prostate cancer.⁵ In fact, prostate cancer has the widest racial disparity in cancer-related death nationwide.⁶
• Age: Prostate cancer is most often found in men over age 65.⁷
• Genetic mutations: Men carry the breast cancer gene, too, and this can increase prostate cancer risk. If a man has an inherited genetic mutation, such as the BRCA2 gene, their risk is five times greater.⁷
• Silent symptoms: Prostate cancer typically has no symptoms in early phases of the disease, making screening even more important. Symptoms typically appear in later stages of the disease.⁷
• Grading: Prostate cancer grades are different and based on patterns of cells, as opposed to individual cells, which are used to determine how aggressive the type of cancer is.⁷
• Lifestyle changes: Industry studies suggest that lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, can lower the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.⁷
• Treatment: Prostate cancer can be actively monitored for any changes that indicate treatment is needed, and men who are diagnosed earlier and receive treatment typically live longer.⁷
• Urinary, bowel, and sexual health: Prostate cancer does not affect sexual function, but some prostate cancer treatments do. Younger men fare better after surgical intervention than older men, making earlier detection even more important to allow for less invasive treatment, quicker recovery, and improved quality of life.⁷

How to implement shared decision-making

Shared decision‑making remains central to prostate cancer screening but implementing it effectively can be challenging.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers an interactive tool to help providers structure conversations about prostate cancer screening. It encourages providers to:

• Discuss individual risk factors, such as age, race, and family history.
• Explain the benefits and potential risks of PSA screening in clear, everyday language.
• Invite patients to share their personal values and preferences regarding screening.
• Use simulated scenarios to build confidence and enhance communication skills.⁸

By initiating early, risk-informed conversations and aligning recommendations with each patient’s risk profile, providers can help build trust and support more equitable prostate cancer outcomes.

Coverage and resources

Cigna Healthcare^® typically covers the PSA test at no cost for men age 45 and older, or age 40 with risk factors, when administered at in-network locations. Our Preventive Care Services (A004) administrative policy includes additional information about coverage for preventive care services, including screenings that may be performed as part of a wellness exam or at a separate encounter.

To find a list of in-network providers, go to the provider directory on Cigna.com. Your patients can also locate in-network providers by logging in to myCigna.com^® or the myCigna^® App.

Patient education about prostate cancer is also available. The Wellness Library on Cigna.com can be a helpful resource for your patients, outlining causes, symptoms, risk factors, health tools, and treatment.

1. American Cancer Society. “Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer.” American Cancer Society. 2026. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.

2. Tyler Kratzer, et al. “Prostate cancer statistics, 2025.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 02 September 2025. Retrieved from https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.3322/caac.70028.

3. American Urological Association. “Prostate Cancer Guidelines.” American Urological Association. 2026. Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/oncology-guidelines/prostate-cancer.

4. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Prostate Cancer Risk Factors.” CDC. 11 February 2025. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/risk-factors/index.html.

5. Hanna Zurl, et al. “Rising metastatic prostate cancer rates but narrowing racial gap.” BMC Medicine. 06 November 2025. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12590629/.

6. Jenney Lee, et al. “Patient and Physician Perceptions of Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing Among Black Individuals.” JAMA Network Open. 08 September 2025. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2838603.

7. Sara Berg. “What doctors wish patients knew about prostate cancer.” American Medical Association. 07 March 2025. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/chronic-diseases/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-prostate-cancer.

8. CDC. “Talk to Nathan.” CDC. 27 August 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/talk-to-nathan/index.html.