(ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE) 5 August 2008

For men over the age of 75, prostate screening can do more harm than good. This is according to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF). They are recommending that doctors NOT screen for prostate cancer in their patients over 75 years old.

This is because prostate cancer tumors grow slowly in most cases. If a man is already 75 years or older and enjoying a vigorous life, he may die of another cause before the prostate cancer becomes an issue. However, if he is found to have cancer, his quality of life in his last years may be diminished by the cancer treatments.