Study recommends screening for prostate cancer every 5 years

New Delhi, April 6 (IANS) – A recent study has shown that a simple blood test checking for PSA levels every five years is safe and effective in screening low-risk men for prostate cancer. The study presented at the EAU Congress in Paris highlighted the potential benefits of longer screening intervals.

Historically, PSA testing for prostate cancer has been controversial due to false positives and negatives, leading to unnecessary treatments or missed cancers. However, advancements in MRI scans and active surveillance have improved screening accuracy and reduced invasive procedures, according to researchers from Heinrich-Heine University in Germany.

The study included over 20,000 men aged 45, with low-risk individuals undergoing a second PSA test after five years. Results published in European Urology showed that only 1.2 percent of men with elevated PSA levels were referred for further testing, with a mere 0.13 percent being diagnosed with cancer.

Lead researcher Professor Peter Albers emphasized the potential for even longer screening intervals, possibly up to ten years, without compromising safety. These findings are crucial as global projections suggest a significant rise in prostate cancer cases and deaths by 2040, underscoring the importance of effective screening methods.

The study’s results offer promising insights into optimal prostate cancer screening intervals for low-risk individuals, highlighting the potential for longer gaps between tests without increasing the risk of missed diagnoses. Continued research in this area may lead to further refinements in screening protocols for prostate cancer detection and management.