Screening for prostate cancer in 1993: is it appropriate, or not?

Screening for prostate cancer is a complex problem with scientific, medicolegal, and socioeconomic consequences. Recommendations regarding screening should be based on scientific studies rather than on personal biases. At present, the value of screening is unknown, and hopefully proper studies will provide adequate information in the future. Until then, patients should be educated about the advantages and disadvantages of screening and should participate in the decision.