A study from Med Uni Vienna and the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Vienna General Hospital took a closer look at the effectiveness of common screening methods for early detection of prostate cancer. It found that a rectal exam has no advantage over the PSA blood test in detecting prostate cancer. (by Medical University of Vienna)
The results of the study by Shahrukh F. Shariat of the Department of Urology at Med Uni Vienna and the University Hospital of Vienna were recently published in the European Journal of Urology Oncology.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. Traditional screening methods include digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. However, many men do not undergo rectal screening, and previous research has suggested that DRE may be less effective than previously thought as a stand-alone screening method or in combination with PSA.
The meta-analysis takes a closer look at specific studies.
The new study analyzed and combined data from eight different studies with a total of 85,738 participants. The results suggest that DRE alone or combined with PSA may not be more effective than PSA testing alone in the early detection of prostate cancer. Notably, the DRE alone showed a lower cancer detection rate (CDR) than the PSA test.
These findings may indicate that digital rectal examination may not be as effective as expected in routine prostate cancer screening, particularly in the absence of specific signs or symptoms.
“The validity of digital rectal examination in detecting prostate cancer is not particularly impressive, suggesting that routine examination as part of screening in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms may not be necessary,” explains Shahrukh Shariat, head of the department. Leader of urology and international studies at Med Uni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna.
This opens a debate about the effectiveness and benefits of digital rectal examination in the early detection of prostate cancer. Shah Rukh Shariat emphasized the importance of conducting more research to identify the best methods for early detection of prostate cancer and said: “Continuous improvements in prostate cancer screening methods are essential to protect the health and well-being of men.” men around the world. It’s extremely important. I certainly hope that by removing this barrier, more men will be screened for prostate cancer.”
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