Effects of USPSTF guidelines on patterns of screening and treatment outcomes for prostate cancer

Core Tip

Core tip: Prostate cancer screening has never been more controversial since publication of large randomized trials showing conflicting results with some demonstrating beneficial mortality effects from the European trials but the American screening trial showing no mortality benefit. At the core of the prostate cancer screening debate is not only the overdiagnosis, but rather over-treatment of men with low-risk prostate cancer. This review explores the literature regarding these patterns of screening especially post publication of the United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. The use of enhanced risk-adapted approach, perhaps with decision aids, may serve as useful tools to help in the decision for continued screening for men who would benefit.