Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Why Testing Between Checkups Matters

Jadyn McRitchie | September 21, 2026

If you’re 55 or older, you’ve probably had at least one conversation about PSA screening—or you’ve thought about it and put it off. Maybe your annual physical covers it, maybe it didn’t. Or maybe you assumed it was automatically handled “once a year.”

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that your health doesn’t run on a perfect calendar. And when it comes to prostate health, timing, coverage limits, and peace of mind can all collide.

The Reality of Annual Screening Limits

Many insurance plans (including Medicare) treat PSA screening as a benefit with frequency rules.

For example, Medicare Part B covers prostate cancer screenings once every 12 months for eligible men. Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) states that screening PSA tests are covered at a frequency of once every 12 months for men aged 50 and older (with timing rules tied to the last covered screening).

That’s great when your needs match that schedule.

But real life isn’t always that neat:

  • You might get tested at a physical, then want a recheck sooner because of a prior elevated result.
  • You may want to share updated lab results with a specialist appointment that happens mid-year.
  • You might simply want clarity now instead of waiting months.

Even when a plan covers a yearly screening, additional tests outside that window may not be covered as “preventive.” And unexpected costs are the last thing anyone needs when they’re trying to do the right thing.

Why Testing Between Checkups Can Be Worth Discussing

PSA screening is a personal decision you make with your provider, based on your risk factors, overall health, and preferences. If you and your clinician decide that checking your PSA sooner makes sense, getting the test done quickly can help keep your care moving forward, especially if you’re monitoring changes over time.

Just as important: waiting can be emotionally heavy. If you’ve been carrying quiet worry, especially if you’ve seen friends or family go through prostate cancer, getting information can feel like relief. You deserve support and clarity, not more waiting.

PSA Testing Options

Any Lab Test Now® offers PSA blood testing with a convenient experience designed for busy adults. PSA testing measures PSA in the blood. 

Tests available include:

A few key logistics that make it easier:

  • No fasting required for PSA testing
  • A blood sample is required
  • Results are typically available within 24–72 business hours after the lab receives your sample
  • Doctor’s order included 

A Gentle Reminder: PSA Testing Is Not a Diagnosis

It’s important to note that the PSA test is not diagnostic of cancer, and results should be followed up with a health care provider. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious while waiting for results. If something comes back outside the expected range, your clinician can help interpret what it means in the context of your age, history, and overall health.

Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees

Whether you’re testing because you’re between covered screening windows or simply want clarity on your own timeline, pricing should be clear upfront. At Any Lab Test Now the price you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no balance billing, no surprise charges.

Next Steps

If you’re 55+ and you’re thinking about PSA testing, whether it’s time for your annual check or you want results sooner, we can help you move forward with convenient, professional testing and transparent pricing. 

Find your nearest location and view pricing. Take Control Of Your Health!

A personal message from our CEO on Prostate Cancer: https://youtube.com/shorts/vSjWJn4VLG4