Private MD News

Study recommends PSA testing early, but not necessarily often

Category: Prostate

Some health experts have warned that PSA testing may lead to the over-diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, a new study suggests that, in addition to detecting problems early, PSA testing may help men avoid undergoing unnecessary procedures in the future.

The study, which was published in the journal of the American Cancer Society, examined the effectiveness of various testing and treatment option. They found that there was relatively little benefit for men who have low PSA testing numbers earlier in life to continue being screened.

The authors of the study wrote that the PSA testing is still valuable for these men because it can help them avoid being subjected to invasive procedures in the future.

"The greatest benefits of early detection programs may be when men, aged 55-74 years, are diagnosed and treated when their serum PSA is in the [moderate to high] range," they wrote.

Prostate cancer can be easily treated when it is caught in its early stages. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, however, it also carries relatively little risk of death compared to other forms of the disease.