Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: PSA screening reduces mortality

Updated Thursday, May 10, 2012 - 10:57
Published Fri, 03/16/2012 - 10:08
Prostate Disease, BPH and Cancer of the Prostate

A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that prostatic-specific antigen testing, or PSA screening, reduces mortality from prostate cancer over an eleven year period. Many previous studies have provided inconclusive evidence of the benefits or risks of screening for prostate cancer.

The study looked at over 180,000 men from eight countries who were split into those who had received PSA screening and those who had not. The group who had received screening had a 29% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer after an eleven year follow-up period.

This wide-scale study therefore highlights the importance of screening for prostate cancer; for further information in plain English about the pros and cons of PSA testing please click here.

A substance that prompts the immune system to fight infection with antibodies. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
An organ with the ability to make and secrete certain fluids. Full medical glossary
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An abbreviation for prostate-specific antigen, an enzyme that is produced by the prostate. High levels are present in the blood when the prostate gland is enlarged or inflamed. Full medical glossary
septic arthritis Full medical glossary
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to Full medical glossary