Urol Clin North Am. 2014 May;41(2):249-255. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2014.01.004. Epub 2014 Feb 19.

The Politics of Prostate Cancer Screening.

Kaffenberger SD1, Penson DF2.

Author information

• 1Department of Urologic Surgery, Vanderbilt University, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA.
• 2Department of Urologic Surgery, VA Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Vanderbilt University, 2525 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA; Center for Surgical Quality and Outcomes Research, Vanderbilt University, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN 37203-1738, USA. Electronic address: david.penson@vanderbilt.edu.

Abstract

The controversial recent recommendation by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)screening for early-stage prostate cancer has caused much debate. Whereas USPSTF recommendations against routine screening mammography in younger women resulted in fierce public outcry and eventual alteration in the language of the recommendation, the same public and political response has not been seen with PSA screening for prostate cancer. It is of paramount importance to ensure improved efficiency and transparency of the USPSTF recommendation process, and resolution of concerns with the current USPSTF recommendation against PSA screening for all ages.