Screening and treatment for prostate cancer: The evidence and implications for practice

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in men, but there is considerable debate over whether or not to screen for the condition. The issues in the debate surrounding screening are clarified in this paper. One of the recommendations of the guidelines for urology from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2002) is that patients receive balanced information about management options for their condition.The NICE guidelines also suggest that ‘major improvements' are required in information and support services for patients and carers, and that nurse specialists in the urology cancer team will play a key role in these services. The options for management and treatment are discussed in the light of these recommendations and the relative merits of each are considered.