A Harris Interactive survey sponsored by Gen-Probe (San Diego) and conducted in July 2006 of 1,000 males age 45 to 70 years found that more than half (53%) of men are concerned with the accuracy of prostate cancer screening tests. While the accuracy of current screening tests is a concern, experts urge that men be screened annually.

“Men with early stage prostate cancer often have no symptoms,” stated Leslie Michelson, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research. “In fact, six in 10 men (63%) who hadn't been screened for prostate cancer said it was because they did not have symptoms or did not feel at risk. We need to educate men about the importance of detecting prostate cancer in its earliest stages when more treatment options are available. This is especially true as baby boomer men age into the target zone for prostate cancer.”

Although most men (41%) rank prostate cancer above colon, skin and lung cancer as their top concern, only four in 10 men feel they are knowledgeable about prostate cancer. Further, more than half (54%) of the respondents could not name a type of prostate cancer screening test.

The digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test are the most common prostate cancer screening options. However, an abnormal result from the DRE or PSA does not diagnose prostate cancer; a diagnosis must be confirmed with a prostate biopsy.

“The DRE and PSA screening tools have been instrumental in reducing the number of prostate cancer deaths each year. However, because follow-up tests must be performed after an abnormal DRE or PSA test, there remains a degree of uncertainty, which can lead to patient anxiety,” said Dr. Paul Lange, chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Washington and author of “Prostate Cancer for Dummies.”