SCREENING FOR UROLOGICAL TUMORS

Background: Based on the results of European and North-American epidem iological studies, the annual rate of newly diagnosed urological tumor s is low except for prostate cancer The incidence for bladder carcinom a varies between 0.2 and 220 depending on age and sex. Given the overa ll low prevalence of urological tumors, a screening program for these tumor entities remains generally doubtful in all age groups. Moreover, the diagnostic procedures for urological tumors are further Limited b y a low specificity. Thus, it appears reasonable to limit screening to risk groups, e. g. smokers who in addition are occupationally exposed to carcinogens. Conclusions: Education of the population regarding th e significance of macrohematuria, use of routine abdominal sonography together with physical examination at the time of first presentation o f any patient, the teaching of testicular self-examination, and surgic al removal of phimosis and genital ulcers should possibly replace mass screening for urological tumors. Additionally the rate of positive ca se detections can be increased by further tests.