Updated 23 May 2012
Summary
Recommendations:
The Genitourinary Cancer Tumour Group (GUTG) of the BC Cancer Agency and the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) recommend that asymptomatic men 50 years of age or older, with an estimated life expectancy of more than 10 years, who are well informed about the risks of over-diagnosis and over-treatment, consider PSA testing for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
The GUTG and VPC do not support unselected, population-wide PSA screening because of the potential for over-diagnosis, over-treatment and detriment to quality adjusted survival.
Qualifying statements:
There is evidence from randomized controlled trials that the chance of dying of prostate cancer decreases with PSA screening and subsequent treatment. However, a significant number of men will need to be treated (with all the risks that this entails) who would otherwise not have had a problem with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
The decision to use PSA for the early detection of prostate cancer should be individualized.
Abnormal results should trigger referral to a urologist.
Early detection of prostate cancer should be linked to a treatment algorithm that includes discussion and prioritization of active surveillance for men with low risk prostate cancer.
While the statement above represents the consensus view of the GU Tumour Group, it should not be interpreted as a policy or position of the BC Cancer Agency.
