Prostate cancer: preliminary results of a case finding campaign.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying a case finding programme for prostate carcinoma based on a questionnaire which was sent by post to the male population of a Northern Italian region.


METHODS
In November 2000 a questionnaire containing prostate related questions was sent to all men aged 55 or older residing in the area served by our hospital. Information provided by the answers was included in a specific data base. Subjects considered at risk for prostate carcinoma were invited for clinical consultation and prostate biopsy when appropriate.


RESULTS
41,627 questionnaires were sent and 7,732 were completed and returned. 960 subjects (12.4%) were considered at risk. Presently, 816 patients have been examined and 116 were biopsied. Thirty-six cases of prostate cancer were found (4.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
The value of mass screening programmes for prostate carcinoma is still under debate and mature data from controlled screening trials must be obtained before definitive conclusions can be drawn. In the meanwhile, considering the growing public awareness, it may be advisable to activate programmes asking for information through questionnaires about prostate disease in order to find cases of undetected prostate cancer.
Bono
Aldo Vittorio
AV
Division of Urology, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese. urolva@ats.it
Spasciani
Roberta
R
Lovisolo
Jon Alexander
JA
Damiano
Giuseppe
G
Buzzi
Maurizio
M
D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires