Diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer: summary of NICE guidance

Prostate cancer is one of the commonest cancers in men. Each year there are about 35 000 new cases in England and Wales and over 9000 deaths. The clinical course can extend over many years and often involves many different healthcare professionals. Evidence exists of practice variation around the country and of patchy availability of certain treatments and procedures. This article highlights a selection of the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.1 NICE recommendations are based on systematic reviews of the best available evidence. When minimal evidence is available, recommendations are based on the guideline development group’s opinion of what constitutes good practice. Evidence levels for the recommendations are given in italic in square brackets. ### Informed decision making Men with prostate cancer can be faced with multiple treatment choices over many years. Healthcare professionals should: ### Diagnosis