The European PSA Screening Trial, Updated

In March 2009, initial results of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) were published: At 9 years, there were 0.7 fewer prostate cancer deaths per 1000 men randomized to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening than in nonscreened controls. For every prostate cancer death averted, 1410 men were invited to be screened and 48 additional prostate cancers were diagnosed (JW Gen Med Mar 18 2009).

Now, the researchers present updated outcomes. After median follow-up of 11 years, for every 1000 men randomized to screening at age 55 to 69 (“core age”) compared with controls, one fewer death from prostate cancer occurred (4 vs. 5 deaths). In analyses that included all available follow-up data, for every prostate can…