The controversy of prostate screening

Within the context of aging and ageism, this article evaluates current rese arch on the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening. Prostate cance r is a concern for many men because it often strikes in the prime of life. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men and the s econd leading cause of cancer-related mortality after lung cancer. Although the disease can be cured if discovered early, it is a slow-growing maligna ncy that leads to an agonising death if left untreated. Differential diagno sis often is complicated by comorbid conditions that are part of the normal aging process. Moreover, practitioners' judgement often is prejudiced by c ommon again misconceptions. Despite the benefits of early screening and det ection, the benefits of screening initiatives remain controversial.