The results of 5-year screening for prostatic cancer

The results of 5-year screening (1996-2000) for prostatic cancer in 1129 males 40 to 80 years of age are presented. The examination included: measurement of blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), finger rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonic examination (TRUE) and, on demand, biopsy of the prostatic gland. Prostatic cancer was diagnosed in 1.5, 2.2 and 16% patients having PSA levels of 0-4.0, 4.0-10.0 and 10.0-30.0% ng/ml, respectively. At finger rectal examination prostatic cancer was suspected in 8% examinees, only in 33% of them the diagnosis was verified morphologically. By TRUE evidence 7% examinees were suspected and in 44.3% of them prostatic cancer was confirmed. Thus, biopsy proved necessary in 172 cases of 1129 examinees. In 64 (5.7%) males prostatic cancer was diagnosed and confirmed. Early prostatic cancer in the screened men and those consulted in the outpatient department of the National Cancer Research Center was detected in 77.7 and 22% men, respectively. The conclusion is made that men over 50 years of age should undergo prophylactic examination of the prostatic gland once a year.