Interest of an early detection of prostate cancer

The clinicians and family physicians have to inform the patientscorrectly about the interest of an early detection of prostate cancer,since the treatment is only efficient in localized cancer.This necessity of information is based on the following arguments:- frequency of prostate cancer (most common cancer in men) ;- special situation (the localized prostate cancer shows non symptoms);- early appearance of prostate cancer in young men with a familyhistory of the disease ;- simplicity and efficiency of diagnosis (DRE and PSA test) ;- diagnosis by transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (risk offalse negative) ;- efficient treatment of localized cancers ;- side effects of treatment.Men requesting screening should be counselled and guided to makea well informed decision.The French Urological Association recommend discussing the risksand potential benefits with the patient and support the policy ofoffering annual PSA testing to asymptomatic men 50 years of ageor older who have an estimated life expectancy of at least 10 yearsand to younger men with established risk factors.