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    Question ID:   16499         Current Version: 1
Question: What are the benefits and limitations of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) screening for prostate cancer?
Category: Diseases & Conditions > Cancer
Keywords: benefits, limitations, PSA, test, screen, prostate cancer
Type: what
Rating:(0 ratings)    Views: 260    Discussions: 0   In Watch Lists: 1  

 
    Answer:

Benefits of Screening

  • Early detection and treatment of potentially curable stage of prostate cancer (i.e., better chances of survival with localized disease). Reassurance of being at low risk for prostate cancer.
  • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) can be obtained with a simple blood test and is widely available. 

Limitations of Screening 

  • Survival benefit from prostate cancer screening has not been demonstrated in rigorous trials. 
  • False positive result may lead to increased anxiety and having to experience the discomfort and possible complications associated with biopsy (e.g., pain, hematospermia/hematuria, and infection). 
  • Prostate cancer may be slow growing and may never advance or progress to cause significant disease or death. Treatment can cause both short- and long-term side effects (e.g., pain, urinary incontinence, and impotence).
  • False reassurance from a normal test (false negative), leading to a delayed diagnosis of prostate cancer. 

Source:  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

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