September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

As men get older, there may be questions about whether they should get a PSA test during annual checkups. Some men ask for it because they’ve heard it can detect prostate cancer early. Others wonder if they need it after seeing conflicting advice or hearing opinions from friends.

There isn’t a simple answer to whether men should get PSA tests routinely. While the test may help find prostate cancer before it causes symptoms, it also has some limitations. That’s why many medical organizations no longer recommend it as a routine screening for every man. Instead, they encourage men to learn about the benefits and risks and decide with their doctor whether the test makes sense for them.

Here are the benefits and risks to consider when deciding if this test should be done.