Prostate-specific antigen testing: men's responses to 2012 recommendation against screening

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Behavior

Background:

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a draft recommendation in October 2011 advising against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing.
• This marked a significant change from prior recommendations that found insufficient evidence to support or oppose PSA testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate men's awareness of the USPSTF's new draft recommendation against PSA testing.
• To assess men's intended responses and behaviors regarding PSA screening following the recommendation.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was administered to 1089 men aged 40-74 without a history of prostate cancer.
• Data were collected between November 22 and December 2, 2011, using GfK Custom Research's Knowledge Panel®.
• Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, identified factors associated with agreement and intention to follow the recommendation.

Main Results:

• 62% of surveyed men agreed with the USPSTF recommendation against PSA testing.
• Only 13% of respondents were 'intenders' planning to follow the recommendation; 54% were 'non-intenders' planning to continue PSA testing.
• Factors associated with being a non-intender included Black race, higher income, recent PSA testing, and higher levels of worry about prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

• Men generally remain favorably disposed towards PSA testing, even when evidence suggests potential harms outweigh benefits.
• The USPSTF's recommendation to discontinue routine PSA screening may face significant public resistance.
• Understanding men's attitudes is crucial for effective communication regarding PSA screening guidelines.