More calls for PSA screening

The Prostate Cancer Charity has again called for men to be offered access to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to aid detection of prostate cancer. The charity says diagnosis could be improved by combining PSA screening with a risk analysis tool, resulting in fewer men undergoing unnecessary biopsy and treatment.

Chief Executive John Neate points out that the latest analysis of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer study shows that the benefit of PSA screening has been underestimated. After adjustment for non-attendance and sample contamination, PSA screening reduces the risk of death by 31 per cent rather than the earlier estimate of 20 per cent (Eur Urol 2009;56:584–91).

There were more calls for open access to PSA screening in a debate organised by the Prostate Cancer Support Federation and supported by Prostate UK. Professor Roger Kirby, Director of London’s Prostate Centre, called for more research and greater clarity about what he described as ‘the beginning of a man’s journey into learning about the health of his prostate’. The charities in attendance agreed to work jointly to raise awareness and increase access. The debate unanimously passed a motion stating ‘Every man at risk of prostate disease (ie men over 50, or 40 for men with other risk factors) should be made aware of the PSA test, its benefits and limitations, and should be able to freely exercise his right to have it’. The results of the debate will be passed to the National Screening Committee, whose recommendations on prostate cancer screening are expected early this year.