Screening for prostate cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement

Annals of Internal Medicine +

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August 6, 2008

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Current evidence is insufficient to assess prostate cancer screening benefits for men under 75. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening for prostate cancer in men aged 75 and older.

Area Of Science

Urology
Preventive Medicine
Oncology

Background

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) previously issued recommendations on prostate cancer screening in 2002.
Gaps in evidence regarding the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening were identified.

Purpose Of The Study

To update the 2002 USPSTF recommendation statement on prostate cancer screening.
To evaluate current evidence on the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening.

Main Methods

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials on prostate cancer screening benefits.
Evaluation of cohort and cross-sectional studies on psychological harms from false-positive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test results.
Assessment of evidence on the natural history of PSA-detected prostate cancer.

Main Results

Evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of screening for prostate cancer in men younger than 75 years.
A Grade D recommendation was issued, advising against prostate cancer screening in men aged 75 years or older.

Conclusions

The USPSTF concludes that current evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening in men under 75.
The USPSTF recommends against screening for prostate cancer in men aged 75 years or older due to insufficient evidence of benefit and potential for harm.

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