The European Association of Urology prostate cancer clinical guideline has incorporated a significant change in prostate cancer screening: the rectal ultrasound is no longer recommended for asymptomatic men. The decision was taken at the last European urology congress, where guidelines were updated based on the most recent scientific evidence.

Until now, prostate cancer screening combined blood analysis to measure PSA (prostate-specific antigen) with rectal ultrasound. However, advances in diagnosis have allowed us to evolve towards less invasive and more precise strategies, based on PSA and imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging.

According to a recent study, with a follow-up of up to 25 years and a sample of more than 160,000 men, screening for prostate cancer reduces mortality, especially thanks to the early detection of tumors that could go unnoticed.

“Screening for prostate cancer has been a very important step forward. We can now detect tumors in a more precise and less invasive way, without having to subject the patient to uncomfortable tests”, explains Dr. Salvador Esquena, director of UROCAT.

Specialists believe that this change may also help to increase participation in prostate cancer prevention programs. “Eliminating the rectal exam in men with no symptoms may make it easier for more patients to go to the urologist, and that is key, because prostate cancer is often silent, but highly curable if detected early,” says Esquena.

Current recommendations place the initiation of screening for prostate cancer between 45 and 50 years of age in the general population, and earlier in cases of high risk, such as family history.

“The message is very clear: prostate cancer screening.

We have very efficient tools at our disposal, such as PSA and magnetic resonance imaging, which allow us to make progress against the disease and save lives,” concluded the director of UROCAT.