Screening tests are important to detect cancer in its early stages.
However, a study casts doubt on the benefits of palpation in prostate screening.
Bremen – A cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence – especially if the disease is detected early.
That's why preventive examinations are extremely important, even if they are often taboo, especially for men.
The most common form of cancer in men is prostate cancer.
On average, one in seven men can expect to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the course of their life.
The risk of developing this disease increases with age.
A current study has now examined the benefits of early detection examinations.
Around 70,000 men develop prostate cancer every year - these are possible symptoms
Every year around 70,000 men in Germany are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
According to the Center for Cancer Registry Data, more than 15,000 deaths from this disease were recorded in 2020.
This type of cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men, as reported by the German Cancer Research Center (dkfz).
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The ten types of cancer with the lowest chances of survival
Early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are rare.
The dkfz cancer information service points out that prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages.
Even in advanced stages, symptoms are not always reliable.
The dkfz lists the following possible warning signs of advanced prostate cancer:
Blood in semen or urine
Frequent urination and discomfort during urination such as urinary retention
Discomfort and restrictions during sexual intercourse
If prostate cancer spreads, pain in the bones is possible
New study casts doubt on palpation as early detection
In order to detect prostate cancer as early as possible, it is possible to have it scanned during a medical examination.
In Germany, men aged 45 and over are offered this through a statutory early detection program and covered by their health insurance.
However, patients must pay for a blood test themselves.
The so-called PSA test determines the prostate-specific antigen in the blood.
A recent meta-study from the Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna now suggests that rectal palpation may be less useful than previously thought.
For their meta-analysis, the scientists at the University of Vienna examined a total of eight studies with around 85,000 patients.
The results were published in the journal
European Urology Oncology
.
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The effectiveness of conventional methods for early detection of prostate cancer is questioned by a new study.
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According to researchers, the significance of tactile examination is “not particularly impressive”
"The power of the rectal examination in detecting prostate cancer is not particularly impressive, suggesting that it may not be necessary to routinely perform this examination as part of screening in the absence of clinical symptoms and signs," Shahrokh Shariat said in a Contribution from the Medical University of Vienna.
The study leader believes that the results could trigger a new discussion about the benefits of tactile examination.
Further research is needed to determine the most effective method for early detection of prostate cancer.
“We certainly hope that by abolishing this barrier, more men will go for prostate cancer screening,” emphasizes Shariat.
Experts also see disadvantages in blood tests to diagnose prostate cancer
It is still unclear how the results of the study will influence the early detection of prostate cancer.
However, it is important to note that experts also see disadvantages when testing blood for prostate-specific antigen.
The dkfz cancer information service points out on its website that there is always a risk of a false-positive or false-negative test result.
In addition, slow-growing tumors that “probably would not have required any treatment” could also be discovered.
The information provided in this article does not replace seeing a doctor. Only professionals can make the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The use of medication or nutritional supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
On the other hand, the PSA test allows prostate cancer to be detected very early, which significantly increases the chances of recovery and significantly reduces the risk of metastases and cancer death.
Every man has to weigh the risk individually.
Experts therefore recommend a so-called risk-adapted PSA screening, i.e. a blood test that depends on the man's individual risk.
When treating possible prostate cancer, radiation and surgery are not always the best option.
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