Prostate Cancer Screening Remains Off the Table for General Population, Despite Rising Cases
Brussels, November 5, 2025 – Despite a projected increase in prostate cancer diagnoses linked to an aging population, widespread population-based screening remains inadvisable, leading medical authorities confirm. While advancements in technology have reduced some risks associated with treatment, the potential for overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment – with perhaps debilitating side effects – continues to outweigh the benefits of a universal screening program.
Urologists André Deschamps and Sam Ward acknowledge the progress made in mitigating the dangers of overtreatment, noting that new technologies have lessened the risks compared to the past. Though, current guidelines from international urologist associations, informed by recent research, do not support a population study utilizing PSA screening at this time.
The concern stems from the inaccuracy of the PSA test,which frequently identifies cancers that would never become life-threatening. A study published in JAMA Oncology (Unger J, et al., 2024) highlights the long-term adverse effects and complications following prostate cancer treatment. More then half of men undergoing treatment for detected cancers experience unwanted complications,and the risk of these complications remains significant.
The American Urological association/Society of Urologic Oncology guidelines (Wei J, et al., 2023) support offering PSA tests to men aged 50 to 69, but emphasize the necessity of thorough discussion regarding the advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks of treatment. Articles in the New England Journal of Medicine (Pinsky P, parnes H, 2023) and JAMA (Raychaudhuri R, et al., 2025) further reinforce this cautious approach.
Currently, individuals concerned about prostate cancer can discuss testing with their general practitioner, ensuring a fully informed decision-making process. While new imaging technologies like MRI are improving the ability to differentiate between aggressive and non-aggressive cancers, experts agree that a reliable distinction remains elusive.Consequently, widespread screening would likely exacerbate existing issues of overtreatment, leading to increased instances of impotence and urinary incontinence.
