Early prostate screening can reduce deaths by 20pct

Washington, Mar 19 (ANI): A new study suggests that early prostate cancer screening can cut mortality risk by nearly 20 per cent.

The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate looked at 162,000 men in seven countries, aged 55-69, and found that initial PSA screening and regular follow up led to an increase in early detection.

That, in turn, reduced the number of deaths due to metastasised disease.

The study showed that on average for every 1,408 men screened, 48 had cancer diagnosed and received treatment, resulting in saving one life.

"The study shows that PSA screening delivers a 20% reduction in mortality from prostate cancer," said Prof Fritz Schroder, international coordinator of the ERSPC study.

"This provides decision makers on screening policies with important new data on the effectiveness of PSA testing in preventing deaths.

"However, the ERSPC is also near to completing additional studies on quality of life and cost-effectiveness and these must be assessed before making a decision about the appropriateness of a national prostate screening policy," Schroder added. (ANI)