PSA Test Saves Lives

The controversial PSA test for prostate cancer has been validated as a useful test by Swedish research in a newly published study.Published in The Lancet Oncology,the study showed that screening men from 50-65 years old with a biannual PSA test,and follow up exams as needed,reduced deaths from prostate cancer by almost 50% over 14 years.It also found that PSA testing compared favorably with other types of cancer screening,such as that for breast cancer.The research was led by Dr.Jonas Hugosson of the University of Gothenburg.
The PSA test identifies prostate-specific antigen,a biomarker found in the blood of prostate cancer patients.The test is so sensitive,though,it can detect cancers that will never reach a significant stage of development in the patient's lifetime,resulting in a number of unnecessary and often debilitating tests and treatments.In short,it is a flawed test.Still,this study indicates that PSA testing has a very beneficial outcome in a substantial number of cases.
Overall,the PSA test would seem to be more helpful than harmful.