Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has been a subject of ongoing debate, particularly concerning its role in early detection and the potential for overdiagnosis. Recent studies have highlighted a correlation between reduced PSA screening rates and an increase in metastatic prostate cancer cases. Specifically, the long-term non-screening rate rose from 20.9% in 2009 to 33.2% in 2019, while age-adjusted metastatic prostate cancer incidence rates increased from 4.6 cases per 100,000 men in 2008 to 8.2 cases per 100,000 in 2017.
In light of these findings, there is a growing discourse on reevaluating PSA screening guidelines to balance the benefits of early detection against the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently recommends individualized decision-making for PSA-based screening in men aged 55 to 69, emphasizing the importance of patient-physician discussions to weigh potential benefits and harms. Click for More Details
