Cochrane changes stance on PSA screening, saying it likely saves lives
But Professor Jyotsna Batra says the evidence remains insufficient to support a national screening program.
Every 1000 PSA screening tests likely averts two prostate cancer deaths, an updated Cochrane review says, departing from its 2013 review that found no significant mortality benefits.
But while the numbers will help GPs guide patient decisions, the evidence is still insufficient to support a national screening program, according to an Australian researcher.
The review’s conclusion that 1000 PSA screening tests were associated with two fewer deaths from prostate cancer was underpinned by a 2025 study with more than 160,000 participants.
The same study also led the reviewers to conclude that screening may reduce the number of men diagnosed with metastatic cancer by five per 1000 PSA tests.
