Authors' objectives:

To evaluate the available documentation on screening for prostate cancer, as summarised in the INAHTA report 'Prostate Cancer Screening. Evidence Synthesis and Update'.

Authors' recommendations: The group of experts agree with the main conclusion from the INAHTA report; routine screening of asymptotic males for early diagnosis of prostate cancer is not recommended. Any clinical benefit, such as reduced mortality following screening programs, is at present not sufficiently well documented. Moreover, any positive effect from mass screening (such as reduced mortality) must be considered in light of unnecessary medical examinations and treatment as well as the considerable risk of adverse effects following medical inventions (surgical removal of the prostate gland) which in many patients reduce the quality of life. Due to the insufficiencies in the current level of knowledge on prostate cancer, we lack the fundamental scientific knowledge on which to base decisions regarding those medical inventions best suited to prevent, diagnose or treat this disease. Efforts should be taken to increase our understanding of the disease.

Authors' methods: Evaluation study

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nokc.no/

Year Published: 1999

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Norway

Organisation Name: Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Contact Address: Universitetsgata 2, Postbox 7004 St. Olavs plass, NO-0310 Oslo NORWAY. Tel: +47 23 25 50 00; Fax: +47 23 25 50 10;

Contact Name: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Contact Email: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Copyright: Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services (NOKC)