Screening for prostate cancer is neither appropriate nor cost-effective

The controversy surrounding prostate cancer screening stems in part from the different perspectives of health care policy analysts, practicing clinicians, patients, health insurers, and government agencies. There is debate about whether sufficient experimental evidence exists to support the theory that early detection and treatment substantially lowers the associated morbidity and mortality. From a societal perspective, the health gains that might result from prostate cancer screening are too uncertain to justify the substantial associated costs and adverse health effects; therefore, it is neither appropriate nor cost-effective.