Like the digital rectal exam, a PSA a test can erroneously indicate prostate cancer and can fail to detect it. So while the screening may lead to earlier diagnosis, it can also lead to treatment of cancers that don't need to be treated, because of very slow growth. In older men, prostate cancer often develops so slowly that they will die with it, not because of it. And despite more than 10 years' experience with PSA screening, there have been few controlled studies on whether PSA testing reduces the prostate cancer death rate. Of course, that PSA itself may function as a tumor inhibitor does not change the fact that its excessive presence in the blood remains a valid signal of the presence of prostate cancer, as well as its recurrence.
Much research needs to be done before that day comes, if ever.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.