INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men and a major health 
issue worldwide. Screening for early disease has been available for many years, 
but there is still no national screening programme established in the United 
Kingdom.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the latest evidence regarding prostate cancer screening and 
whether it meets the necessary requirements to be established as a national 
programme for all men.
METHODS: Electronic databases and library catalogues were searched 
electronically and manual retrieval was performed. Only primary research results 
were used for the analysis.
RESULTS: In recent years, several important randomised controlled trials have 
produced varied outcomes. In Europe the largest study thus far concluded that 
screening reduced prostate cancer mortality by 20%. On the contrary, a large 
American trial found no reduction in mortality after 7-10 years follow-up. Most 
studies comment on the adverse effects of screening - principally those of 
overdiagnosis and subsequent overtreatment.
DISCUSSION: Further information about the natural history of prostate cancer and 
accuracy of screening is needed before a screening programme can be truly 
justified. In the interim, doctors and patients should discuss the risks, 
benefits and sequelae of taking part in voluntary screening for prostate cancer.