PSA for Prostate Screening?

Does it make sense or is it really helpful to have a PSA blood test looking for prostate cancer?

On August 5, 2008 the Annals of Internal Medicine published the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendations created by medical experts for Screening of Prostate Cancer (see Dr. Tanelian’s Medical News for linkage to recommendations). A list of USPSTF recommendations on cancer screening can be found at www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov

The experts’ recommendations for men younger than age 75 are that evidence is inadequate to determine whether screening improves health outcomes.

For men age 75 or older, the benefit from treatment of prostate cancer detected by screening is small to none. Therefore, harms outweigh benefits. The harms of screening include the discomfort of prostate biopsy and the psychological harm of false-positive test results.

Another valid question is: Why Are Doctors Generally Screening All Men With PSA Tests on their Physical and General Medical Exams?

Darrell L. Tanelian, M.D., Ph.D.