Screening for prostatic cancer remains controversial because a decrease in the mortality rate is not demonstrated in screened population.s During a 2 year period, 172 men with prostatism more than 50 years old, were examined for prostatic cancer
prospectively. A prostatic bropsy was performed on 77 men and 13 malignant tumor were detected, of which 85 per cent were clinically localized. Sensitivity of digital rectal examination, serum PSA, and translectal ultrasonography for detection of
prostatic cancer was 46.2%, 76.9%, and 53.8% respectively. A combination of abnormal ultrasonographic findings, an elevated PSA value, and abnormal findings on rectal examination carried a positive predictive value of 62.5%. These results suggest
that
screening examination may benefit for early detection of prostatic cancer in men with prostatism more than 50 years old. Screening program should include digital rectal examination. serum PSA initially. Transrectal ultrasonography is reserved for
cases
with abnormal finding on rectal examination or elevated PSA value.
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