SUMMARY
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health challenge for men globally and is the number two cancer-related killer of men in Northern and Western Europe. Over the years, researchers have conducted several randomised trials in order to assess the impact of screening for PCa on disease-specific mortality. Historical screening trials mainly relied on relatively simple protocols that used fixed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) thresholds and/or digital rectal examination for the indication to perform a biopsy. Current PCa screening practices across European Union (EU) member states vary in approaches and implementations. However, opportunistic PCa screening, which is associated with no significant decrease in mortality but a risk of overdiagnosis, is still prevalent. In 2022, the EU Council published updated recommendations, which incorporated PCa screening and encouraged evidence-based and person-centred cancer screening programmes. In alignment with these guidelines, the PRAISE-U project is committed to rationalising PCa screening in Europe.
(BELG J MED ONCOL 2024;18(3):82–8)
