Medical Malpractice Implications of PSA Testing for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer has become a major health concern of male Americans. It is now the most common nondermatologic cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men. The incidence of detected prostate cancer rose rapidly in recent years, partly because of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing; it is only now tapering off. Screening for prostate cancer with PSA is widespread in the United States, yet controversial: the American Urological Association recommends PSA screening and the American Cancer Society recommends offering screening; however, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommend against routine screening; and the American Academy of Family Physicians believes that the decision to screen should be left to the patient.