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[Results of a screening program for prostatic cancer]
E Martín Oses1, M Luján Galán, E Sánchez Sánchez
1Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, Madrid.
Actas Urologicas Espanolas
|July 8, 1999
Summary
Screening for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is recommended as the initial diagnostic test. Digital rectal examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) are not advised for men with PSA levels below 4 ng/ml.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Prostate cancer screening is a critical public health issue.
- Understanding the epidemiology of prostate cancer in specific regions is essential for targeted interventions.
- Evaluating diagnostic tools for early detection improves patient outcomes.
Purpose:
- To establish the epidemiology of prostate cancer in Getafe, Madrid.
- To assess the effectiveness of screening methods for detecting curable prostate cancer.
- To report the outcomes of screening 2,576 men.
Summary:
- A screening of 2,576 men in Getafe, Madrid, involved digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA testing.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) demonstrated the highest sensitivity (93%), while DRE offered the greatest specificity (97%).
- Combining DRE and PSA yielded a positive predictive value of 78.9%, with 39.4% of detected cancers being advanced stages.
Impact:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is identified as the primary diagnostic test for prostate cancer screening.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) are deemed ineffective for patients with PSA levels below 4 ng/ml.
- Current screening strategies require re-evaluation, as widespread screening programs are not yet recommended.