Considerable controversy surrounds prostate cancer screening.
Recommendations for prostate screening vary among several medical and public health organizations. Although the number of deaths from prostate cancer have declined since the introduction of the PSA test in 1985, it has not been proven conclusively that this is due to the use of the PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer. A PSA test that is falsely negative may leave the patient and doctor with false confidence, while a PSA test that is falsely positive may result in an unnecessary biopsy. Although the PSA test is not perfect, it is considered the best screening tool available when used with the digital rectal exam. The American Cancer Society currently recommends that this blood test be offered annually to men 50 and older with a life expectancy of at least 10 years, and to younger men who are at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer.