"There is intuitive evidence that screening is beneficial, but there are no clinical trials that have established the clinical benefit."

While it is true that the easiest way to diagnose early prostate cancer is with a screening program, there is considerable debate regarding the benefits of routine population screening for prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association recommend screening with digital rectal examination (DRE) of the prostate and serum PSA (prostate-specific antigen).

PSA is specific for prostate and any values above the norm on an age-adjusted basis should be investigated. PSA by itself is not a good indicator, but combining this with a DRE will greatly enhance the incidence of appropriate diagnosis.According to life insurance data, a healthy man at age 60 should exceed the average life span and should be expected to live until 84. Thus, this person has a 24-year expected survival. (These tables of expected survival can be obtained from your life insurance agent or any life insurance company.) All those who are considered at risk for prostate cancer and who have a life expectancy of at least 10 years, should have annual PSA and DRE evaluations beginning at age 40. Screening increases the likelihood of early detection and the probability of finding early-state, organ-confined disease. If patients have tremendous concerns about the disease, which is very often the case, or if patients have complaints relating to their prostate, then these patients are evaluated very carefully.