The study suggests that prostate cancer screening could reduce mortality by 13%.
Cancer screening experts are weighing whether the UK should introduce a prostate cancer screening programme, with a decision expected before the end of the year.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that a “targeted” approach to screening could be adopted to reduce mortality from the disease, as well as prevent problems arising from “overdiagnosis.”
The researchers looked at the risks and benefits of screening in eight European countries over a 23-year period, including data on 162,000 men, of whom 72,000 were invited to be screened. They found that for every 456 men invited to screening, one prostate cancer death was averted. And one prostate cancer death was averted for every 12 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Commenters stated that the results are “comparable to breast or colorectal cancer screening results.”
In addition to reducing prostate cancer mortality, the study authors said screening had a “more favorable harm-benefit profile than previously estimated.” They also said screening-related harms “remain a significant concern.” These include unnecessary tests, biopsies, overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment.
“These results highlight the need for a more targeted prostate cancer screening strategy that focuses on identifying population subgroups most likely to benefit from early detection while reducing unnecessary interventions for those at highest risk of overdiagnosis,” they wrote.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that is used to check for prostate diseases, including prostate cancer or prostate enlargement. Routine PSA testing is not offered in National Health Service but men may be offered a PSA test if their GP suspects they have prostate cancer. Men over 50 can ask their doctor for a PSA test even if they don't have symptoms.
Officials have faced increasing calls for a screening program and will weigh the concerns outlined in the review.
Last week the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) approved new treatment option for men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Nice initially rejected abiraterone, saying it was of no value to the NHS. But it now says abiraterone and its generic variants can be used in combination with other treatments for newly diagnosed “high-risk, hormone-sensitive” metastatic prostate cancer in men.
Nice said it was able to reverse its 2021 decision thanks to cheaper generic versions of the drug. It says around 4,000 men will now be able to benefit from an additional treatment option.
