The American Urological Association, which in the past has defended the prostate-specific antigen screening tests has now released new guidelines that state that healthy men under 55 do not need routine annual screenings.

The men and women who often treat prostate cancer are now recommending that the blood test commonly used to screen for it should be given a lot less often.

The prostate-specific antigen(PSA) test can catch cancer early, but it frequently gives false alarms or identifies cancers that does not require treatment.

USA Today reported men ages 55 to 69 who are considering the PSA test should consult their doctors about the test's benefits and risks, according to a new policy announced Friday.

Previously the group advised healthy men aged 40 and up to ask their doctors about the PSA test.

According to npr.org the evidence reviewed by the panel supports that PSA screening can prevent about 1 death from prostate cancer for every 1,000 men screened over a decade, which is stated in the guideline.

However there are dangers from testing, including false positives, side effects from subsequent testing and treatment, which includes infections, impotence and incontinence.

Michael Palese, associate professor of urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai stated that the new recommendations are a "radical change," but a welcome one.

"On the other hand, we do need to continue to keep a vigilant watch on those patients who have prostate cancer that should be treated and will benefit from treatment."