Routine screening for cancer of the prostate.
The value of screening for prostate cancer remains unclear. Although digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, and determination of serum prostate-specific antigen levels may lead to early detection of a malignancy, these procedures have never been shown to reduce disease-specific mortality from prostate cancer. Unfortunately, several potential errors found in uncontrolled trials may suggest benefit from screening where none exists. Only a large, randomized, controlled clinical study demonstrating decreased mortality from prostate cancer can prove that screening is beneficial. Until such a study is performed, patients should be informed of both the potential benefits and the risks of screening and treatment.
Gerber
G S
GS
Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Ill 60637.
Chodak
G W
GW
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen