Screening for prostate cancer.

Early-stage prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic and therefore, in the past, has often gone undetected, unless diagnosed by a digital rectal examination. More recently, new tests have been introduced, namely prostate-specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound, in order to improve the detection of early-stage disease. Considerable debate exists about the routine use of these screening tests. This article addresses issues such as which tests are the most predictable, the outcome of screening in terms of benefits (or not) to the patient and the advantages and disadvantages of screening itself.