PSA Blood Test Found to Lower Prostate Cancer Deaths, Review Shows

A new Cochrane review concludes that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is likely to reduce deaths caused by prostate cancer.

The analysis combined data from six trials involving roughly 800,000 men in Europe and North America and estimated about two fewer cancer deaths for every 1,000 men screened.

The authors describe the evidence as having moderate certainty but stress that the findings do not constitute a universal recommendation; men should discuss screening with their physicians.

If confirmed in practice, the modest mortality benefit could encourage broader use of PSA testing, though clinicians will need to weigh the small advantage against potential harms.