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Radiocast: Prostate Cancer Screening Not
Recommended For 75+
Debra: This is Healthcare 411: Information for better health. The leading
independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care recommend that men
75 and older not be screened for prostate cancer. U.S. Preventive Services Task
Force member Dr. Michael LeFevre:
Dr. LeFevre: Most prostate cancers detected by screening in older men,
mainly through PSA testing, are slow-growing and would rarely affect one’s
health. The benefits of treating these cancers are minimal to none. And the
potential harms from treatment include erectile dysfunction, urinary
incontinence, bowel dysfunction, and even death.
Debra: Should men younger than 75 be screened?
Dr. LeFevre: Younger men should talk with their clinicians about the
possible, but uncertain benefits of screening and the risks of testing and
treatment before deciding if prostate cancer screening is right for them.
Debra: To learn more about this and other health topics, go to
healthcare411.ahrq.gov.
Healthcare 411 is produced by AHRQ, the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Debra
James for Healthcare 411.
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