Screening for prostate cancer. The challenge of promoting informed decision making in the absence of definitive evidence of effectiveness

Med Clin North Am. 1999 Nov;83(6):1423-42, vi. doi: 10.1016/s0025-7125(05)70173-5.

Abstract

Evidence demonstrating the burden of prostate cancer upon men in the United States is incontrovertible; less compelling, however, is proof of benefit from early detection efforts. Nevertheless, the absence of definitive evidence does not lessen the interest of men in prostate testing or the obligation of physicians to help interested men make well-informed decisions, which integrate personal circumstance and preference with the best available data. This article provides the counseling physician with the information required to frame the current prostate testing debate and an approach to support informed decision making by men who can benefit from their assistance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Informed Consent
  • Male
  • Mass Screening* / methods
  • Mortality / trends
  • Palpation
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Rectum
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen