There
is much controversy as to whether screening for
prostate cancers has an impact on the overall
survival. This controversy surrounds the use of
PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen
as a screening method by itself.
The
American Cancer Society recommends offering PSA blood
testing and digital rectal examinations (DRE)
beginning at the age of 50 for men who have a life expectancy
of at least 10 years. This also should be offered to younger
men who may be at higher risk (such as men with a grandfather,
father, uncle or brother with prostate cancer) for developing
a prostate cancer. (See What Causes
Prostate Cancer?)
