Prostate cancer screening: A primary care survey

Prostate cancer is the most common intrinsic cancer in men and the 2nd most common cause of cancer related death in men over fifty years of age. The benefit of early screening for prostate cancer is yet to be proven. Multiple organizations currently offer recommendations regarding prostate cancer screening. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing was introduced into widespread use in the late 80’s and its role in screening is debatable. We surveyed by mail every primary care physician in West Virginia who has a state license. Results from 438 respondents indicated that the American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines were most commonly used and that PSA testing does seem to be a good screening test. We present the results and discuss the different points of view regarding prostate cancer screening.