Prostate Cancer: To Screen or not to Screen

Abstract

Screening for early detection of prostate cancer seems both necessary and possible but it remains to be proven that it can lower mortality from the disease. Until properly evaluated, the risks of screening at present do not justify either the cost or the potential benefit that could result. An increased awareness of the problems encountered by screening could lead to greater impetus around the world to design and implement the proper studies. The recent information about the outcome following conservative management means that the value of treatment must also be assessed since it is possible that the only tumors cured by radiation therapy or surgery are those that are not life threatening, whereas the most lethal tumors are not identified sufficiently early by the available screening tests to be cured. The increased incidence and mortality from prostate cancer should lead to increased pressure to answer the important questions as soon as possible.