NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A study says two common prostate cancer screening tests do not reduce men's risk of death.
The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, says there is little evidence that measuring prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, levels in the blood and performing digital rectal examination reduce death.
Researchers from the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale University said screening tests can increase the detection of cancer, even at earlier stages, but not necessarily prolong survival.
In an accompanying editorial, Michael J. Barry, M.D., from Massachusetts General Hospital said the poor specificity of PSA testing results in a high probability of false positives requiring prostate biopsies and lingering uncertainty about prostate cancer risk.
Aggressive treatment can also cause incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
The American Cancer Society says that doctors should offer the PSA blood test and digital rectal exam annually to men age 50 years or older, whereas the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has found insufficient evidence to recommend screening and the American College of Physicians advises physicians to counsel men about its benefits and risks.
