Latest prostate cancer advice: Doc group says PSA test an option for men expected to live long

WASHINGTON – There’s more advice on the contentious issue of prostate cancer screening: A leading group of cancer specialists says the decision hinges in part on a man’s life expectancy.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology says doctors should discuss the possible pros and cons of those PSA blood tests only with men expected to live at least 10 more years. Then the men can decide for themselves if they’d like the screening.

Monday’s recommendation says doctors should discourage PSA testing for men who aren’t expected to live that long. For them, the risks will outweigh any possible benefit.

That’s a contrast from guidelines issued this spring by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which recommended against routine PSA screening for all men.