Key Points for This Section

Screening tests have risks. The risks of prostate screening include the following: Finding prostate cancer may not improve health or help a man live longer. False-negative test results can occur. False-positive test results can occur.

Screening tests have risks.

Decisions about screening tests can be difficult. Not all screening tests are helpful and most have risks. Before having any screening test, you may want to discuss the test with your doctor. It is important to know the risks of the test and whether it has been proven to reduce the risk of dying from cancer.

The risks of prostate screening include the following:

Finding prostate cancer may not improve health or help a man live longer.

Screening may not improve your health or help you live longer if you have advanced prostate cancer or if it has already spread to other places in your body.

Some cancers never cause symptoms or become life-threatening, but if found by a screening test, the cancer may be treated. It is not known if treatment of these cancers would help you live longer than if no treatment were given, and treatments for cancer may have serious side effects. Side effects of prostate cancer treatment may include complications of major surgery, incontinence (inability to control the bladder or bowels), and impotence (inability to have or keep an erection).

False-negative test results can occur.

Screening test results may appear to be normal even though prostate cancer is present. A man who receives a false-negative test result (one that shows there is no cancer when there really is) may delay seeking medical care even if he has symptoms.

False-positive test results can occur.

Screening test results may appear to be abnormal even though no cancer is present. A false-positive test result (one that shows there is cancer when there really isn't) can cause anxiety and is usually followed by more tests, (such as biopsy) which also have risks. A biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer can cause bleeding and infection.

Your doctor can advise you about your risk for prostate cancer and your need for screening tests.