Experts consider targeted' prostate cancer screening to reduce UK deaths

"Researchers examined the risks and benefits of screening across eight European countries over a 23-year period, including data on 162,000 men with 72,000 of these invited for screening. They found that one death from prostate cancer was prevented for every 456 men who were invited for screening. And one death from prostate cancer was averted for every 12 men in whom prostate cancer was diagnosed."

"They also said harms linked to screening remain a critical concern. These include unnecessary testing, biopsies, overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test which is used to check for prostate conditions including prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. Routine PSA testing is not offered on the NHS but men may be offered a PSA test if a GP suspects they have prostate cancer."

Prostate cancer screening reduces deaths by about 13% when applied in a targeted approach that aims to limit overdiagnosis. Analysis across eight European countries over 23 years included data on 162,000 men, of whom 72,000 were invited for screening. One prostate cancer death was prevented for every 456 men invited and for every 12 men diagnosed. Screening shows a more favorable harm-to-benefit profile than previously estimated, while harms remain a concern, including unnecessary testing, biopsies, overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Routine PSA testing is not offered on the NHS; men may be tested if a GP suspects cancer or if men over 50 request it.

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