Targeted Screening for Prostate Cancer Could Prevent One in Six Deaths
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March 15, 2021 A national screening program targeted at those men who are genetically pre-disposed to prostate cancer, and involving a blood test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan before an invasive biopsy, could prevent one in six prostate cancer deaths and significantly reduce over-diagnosis, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men with around 130 new cases diagnosed in the UK every day and more than 10,000 men a year dying as a result of the disease. However, unlike breast and cervical cancer there is currently no national screening program for this disease in the UK.
One in six prostate cancer deaths could be prevented if high-risk cases were screened, research suggests.
The strategy would mean all middle-aged men were offered a one-off blood test, to establish who is genetically predisposed to the disease, and in need of regular checks.
Researchers from University College London said that offering a blood test and MRI scan to those at heightened risk could prevent one in six deaths from the disease.
There is no national screening programme for the disease. Those over the age of 50, and younger men with a family history of the disease can seek blood tests but on their own they are not a reliable indicator of the disease.
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It could also significantly reduce over-diagnosis, researchers say.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with around 130 new cases diagnosed in the UK every day and more than 10,000 men a year dying as a result of the disease.
However, there is currently no national screening programme for the disease in the UK.
Men suspected of having the disease have a blood test that detects raised levels of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines also advise that all men with a positive PSA result have an MRI scan prior to biopsy.
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