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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Prostate cancer around the world. An overview
1Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. secr.schroder@erasmusmc.nl
Urologic Oncology
|November 11, 2010
Summary
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer is widespread globally. Despite increased early detection, definitive proof that screening reduces mortality has been historically limited.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Prostate cancer screening, particularly using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, has seen widespread adoption globally since the early 1990s.
- Studies indicate high PSA usage rates in men over 50 in countries like the United States (75%) and The Netherlands (25-40%).
- PSA-driven early detection initially increased prostate cancer incidence, with rates stabilizing and returning to pre-screening levels in some regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence and impact of prostate cancer screening.
- To address the historical lack of concrete evidence on screening's effect on prostate cancer mortality.
- To highlight the appeal of early prostate cancer detection to clinicians and patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of national interview studies and statistical data on PSA usage.
- Analysis of prostate cancer incidence trends in relation to screening prevalence.
- Examination of the evidence base regarding screening's impact on mortality.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer screening has become a common practice worldwide.
- PSA testing has led to a significant increase in diagnosed prostate cancer cases.
- Despite increased incidence, robust evidence linking screening to reduced mortality was historically absent.
Conclusions:
- The widespread use of PSA screening has dramatically altered prostate cancer detection rates.
- The clinical and patient interest in early detection persists, even amid debates on mortality benefits.
- Further research and evidence are crucial to solidify the role of screening in reducing prostate cancer mortality.
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