The prostate-specific antigen test is valuable in predicting which men should have biopsies and which are likely to be diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, according to a Mayo Clinic news release.
The study found that men in their 40s and 50s with a baseline PSA at or above the median PSA were much more likely to undergo a biopsy and be diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. However, the majority of tumors (89 percent) found in both age groups were classified as "low risk."
The study's findings are being released soon after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published draft recommendations that the test may not save lives.
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The study found that men in their 40s and 50s with a baseline PSA at or above the median PSA were much more likely to undergo a biopsy and be diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. However, the majority of tumors (89 percent) found in both age groups were classified as "low risk."
The study's findings are being released soon after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published draft recommendations that the test may not save lives.
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