title: The implementation of screening for prostate cancer.
abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether screening for prostate cancer (PC) reduces PC mortality and, if so, whether the required criteria to be introduced as a population-based screening program are satisfied. A literature review was conducted through electronic scientific databases. The screening tests, that is, PSA and digital rectal examination, have limited sensitivity and specificity for detecting PC; screening produces a beneficial stage shift and reduces PC mortality. Nevertheless, PC screening causes a large increase in the cumulative incidence, and the understanding of the economic cost and quality-of-life parameters are limited. PC screening cannot be justified yet in the context of a public health policy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. p.vanleeuwen@erasmusmc.nl
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: van Vugt
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Bangma
mesh_terms: D051517:Digital Rectal Examination; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen