Screening for prostate cancer has always been a major issue for debate, while some believe that it possesses major benefits, other talk about its harms. However, for the very first time, a study has made an attempt to maintain equilibrium both its advantages and disadvantages to an average man.

A team of researchers from Netherlands used the findings in previous cancer studies and drafted a mathematical model. It was concluded using the model that on an average, the yearly screening via prostate-specific antigen
(PSA) testing would increase longevity of a man’s life by three weeks. However, this for sure doesn’t suggest one and all to go for the test.

Researchers affirmed that the benefits and harms of the screening depend on the man. They said, “How he feels about the possibility of suffering screening and treatment related side effects and how much erectile dysfunction or incontinence, for example, would influence his quality of life, all this matters”.

Dr. Harold Sox, a professor of medicine at the Dartmouth Institute in Hanover, asserted that they believe that it is important that the doctor prior to the screening and the treatment, discuss the complete matter with the patient and also make him aware of the consequences, he might have to face.