PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality
The latest results of a large European study on prostate cancer screening, known as the ERSPC study (European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer), have recently been published in the prestigious medical journal New England Journal of Medicine.
After 23 years of follow-up and with more than 160,000 men studied, between 55 and 69 years old, from 8 European countries, the conclusions are very clear:
- PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality by 13% compared to not screening.
- It is estimated that one life is saved for every 456 men who participate in screening.
- Screening leads to more cases being diagnosed (approximately 30% more), as it detects small or non-aggressive tumors that may never have caused symptoms.
- Over the years, the balance between benefits and drawbacks improves, demonstrating that the advantages of screening are clearer in the long term.
The researchers conclude that future programs should be personalized, adapting screening to each person’s risk to reduce unnecessary diagnoses and treatments.
In summary:
PSA screening saves lives. Although it can lead to overdiagnosis, its usefulness is now more solid than ever. Furthermore, thanks to new tools such as magnetic resonance imaging, microultrasound, genetic testing and active surveillance, it is now possible to better differentiate which patients need treatment and which can simply be monitored.
A diagnosis, therefore, does not always imply treatment, but can often only involve monitoring and safe surveillance.
