The Ethical Dilemma Surrounding Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening

Abstract

See, stats, and : https : / / www . researchgate. net / publication / 275655464 The Specific (PSA) Screening Article DOI : 10 . 4172 / 2155 - 9627 . 1000206 CITATION 1 READS 295 7 , including : Some : Diagnosis Call (IJPPH) View Zaina University 64 SEE Charles South 273 , 910 SEE Terhi Mikkeli 20 SEE Rifat University 25 SEE All . The . Abstract The Food and Drug Administration approved testing for prostate cancer screening in 1994 . Today over four decades have passed since the Prostate - Specific Antigen (PSA) was first discovered . Yet enormous uncertainty governs the effectiveness of PSA testing as well as the appropriate strategy to best detect early prostate cancer . Many groups including the American Cancer Society (ACS) , the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) , the American Urological Association (AUA) and the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) , have issued a series of clinical guidelines for prostate cancer screening with inconsistent recommendations . Research shows that prostate cancer screening with PSA resulting in a false - positive screen occurs among 80 percent of men , while 20 percent of men have false - negative results . Recently changes to existing recommendations were suggested by the USPSTF due to concerns of negative effects of PSA testing on patient outcomes . While the evidence underlying prostate cancer screening recommendations is continuously in flux , it is important to understand implications of the debate for clinicians and men . In this paper we examine ensuing ethical considerations of PSA screening for prostate cancer .