Prostate blood test ‘may do more harm than good’

PROSTATE cancer screening may do more harm than good, says a study of 400,000 British men.

The probe, funded by Cancer Research, says the PSA blood test does not save lives, if the men do not have existing symptoms. The 10-year clinical trial by Oxford and Bristol Universities found the test missed some aggressive and lethal cancers.

Tests should still be taken by men with symptoms, including a difficulty or sudden need to urinate, said researchers. But Prof Richard Martin, of Bristol University, said most tests cause “unnecessary anxiety”.

Heather Blake, of Prostate Cancer UK said: “We recommend that men over 50 – and men over 45 if they are black – discuss the pros and cons of the PSA test with their GP.”