Screening for carcinoma of the prostate in a randomly selected population using duplicate digital rectal examination

Of 9,026 males, aged 50-69 years, 1,494 were randomly selected and invited to participate in a screening programme for carcinoma of the prostate. Of these 1,163 (78%) accepted. Rectal examination was performed independently by a general practitioner (GP) and by a urologist at the GP's surgery. Carcinoma of the prostate was suspected by one or both physicians in 45 cases, and subsequently confirmed by cytological investigation in 13 cases. Ten patients underwent radical prostatectomy, one received radiation treatment, one case was too advanced for curative treatment, and one was scheduled for subsequent reassessment. Screening, as a means of early diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate by either a urologist or a GP, using digital rectal examination, thus appears to be a cost-effective procedure, though the question still remains whether this will lead to prolongation of survival or not.