Is the PSA Test Worth It?

The debate continues over the value of the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test to screen men for prostate cancer. A new study points out that testing reduces prostate cancer deaths, but over-diagnosis occurs in roughly 40% of cases detected by screening. This results in a high risk of overtreatment that can lead to incontinence and impotence. Further research is needed on ways to reduce overdiagnosis so that unnecessary biopsy procedures and treatments can be avoided. The Lancet, August 2014