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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Annual prostate cancer testing may not be necessary for some men. That’s according to a study released this week.

But one man we talked with says he was able to beat the disease because of early detection.

Bill Kincaid credits his annual screening for saving his life.at 53, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“My doctor said I shouldn’t have cancer like that until I was in my 60′s.”

With a PSA level at 6.5, treatment began right away. Kincaid had radiation seeds planted in his prostate.

“I know I’m in my 50′s, but I still feel like I have a lot of life to live. And I don’t have to worry about having prostate cancer.”

Dr. Wesley White says even though Prostate Cancer is not aggressive, he recommends annual screenings to his patients.

“The whole point is detecting it before they develop symptoms to begin with before there is potential spread.”

The American Cancer Society recommends all men at age 40 have a baseline PSA screening as well as a digital rectal exam and then starting at the age of 50, annual screenings and exams.

But a new study says it may not be necessary for some men to be screened.

It says men whose first PSA test came back under 3.0 may not need annual testing and those with levels under 2.0 can most likely go eight years before getting retested.

“Every man should talk to their doctor regarding whether it’s in their best interest to have it done,” says Dr. White who adds there has always been controversy surrounding PSA screenings.

“You have to balance the side effects from treatment with the potential risk of prostate cancer.”

Now, two years later, and with a PSA level of .25, Kincaid is glad he was screened.

“It saved my life, just by my doctor saying Bill, you need to get checked.”

The study also says men with PSA levels of three or higher should have prostate biopsies. The current recommendation suggest a biopsy in men with a PSA level of four.

Dr. White says you should always consult with your doctor if you have questions.

I have trouble starting urinating. I have microscopic blood in my urine. I have trouble emptying my bladder. I have pain in my lower back and pelvis.

Could just be an enlarged prostate, but if your doctor hasn't suggested that, it is time to change doctors. My husband had prostate cancer in 1992, he didn't have any symptons. His doctor found it in a routine exam. Please see another doctor.

Try a PETCT scan, could mean some $$$ but would ease your mind.

If PSA level is normal then it is not a prostate cancer but maybe a kidney or bladder problem.