Früherkennung von Prostatakrebs

Prostate cancer screening for men aged 45 years and older is recommended without restrictions by all professional societies and health insurance providers; however, it is not without controversy, particularly due to the risk of overdiagnosis and its consequences for those affected. This uncertainty contributes to the fact that on average only one in three men undergoes cancer screening, therefore accepting the risk that a cancer diagnosis may already be advanced and therefore incurable when symptoms appear. The data from the PROBASE study demonstrate that through early determination of the baseline value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and ongoing monitoring it is possible to identify only the aggressive, clinically significant tumors that metastasize, cause symptoms, and shorten life. These results necessitate adjustments to the early detection guidelines and help strengthen trust in prostate cancer screening.