PSA screening in men aged 70+
Why flagged
PSA screen ordered for male patient age 76; USPSTF 2018 Grade D recommends against screening at age 70+ due to overdiagnosis and treatment harms outweighing benefit.
Routine annual PSA screening for all men beginning at age…
High rates of overdiagnosis (20-50%); minimal absolute mortality reduction (1.3 deaths prevented per 1,000 screened); severe treatment morbidity (incontinence, erectile dysfunction).
Guidelines updated
USPSTF (2018): Grade C (individualized shared decision) f…
- Prior guidance2012
Routine annual PSA screening for all men beginning at age 50 (ACS/AUA early 2000s).
- ERSPC/PLCO2009
High rates of overdiagnosis (20-50%); minimal absolute mortality reduction (1.3 deaths prevented per 1,000 screened); severe treatment morbidity (incontinence, erectile dysfunction).
- Reversal2018
Guidelines updated
- Current recommendation
USPSTF (2018): Grade C (individualized shared decision) for men aged 55-69. Grade D (do not screen) for men >= 70 years.