Prior probability and effectiveness of tests

Article Abstract:

The combination of digital rectal examinations and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests appears to be the best currently available way to detect prostate cancer early in men. The degree to which cancer is reduced by using these methods is unclear. Researchers highlighted the results of studies published on the effectiveness of early detection tests for prostate cancer. Risk for prostate cancer may be up to five times higher for those with elevated PSA levels and up to nine times higher for those with abnormal rectal examinations. Cancer was detected in only 4% of the patients with abnormal test results.

Measurement, Medical examination, Rectum, Rectal examination

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Verification bias and the prostate-specific antigen test -- is there a case for a lower threshold for biopsy?

Article Abstract:

It may be premature to lower the threshold of the PSA test for diagnosing prostate cancer. A study published in 2003 found that more prostate cancers could be detected if this was done, especially in men younger than 60. However, research has shown that some types of prostate cancer are relatively benign and men with this type of prostate cancer would probably die from some other disease. Detecting benign tumors might lead to unnecessary treatment.

Editorial, Prostate-specific antigen test

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Prostate-specific-antigen testing for early diagnosis of prostate cancer

Article Abstract:

Men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be told about the pros and cons of the PSA test so they can decide whether they want the test. The PSA test is used to diagnose prostate cancer but there is no evidence that it has substantially reduced the death rate from prostate cancer.

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