For

A parliamentary report advocates systematic screening for men aged 50 to 70 years. It is practiced by first performing an assay of PSA (prostate specific antigen) in the blood, then a digital rectal examination.

Against

Several voices * are rising to challenge this systematic screening with the current means. At issue: the misinterpretation of PSA results . This protein naturally increases when a cancer develops, but also with age. As a result, there is "overtreatment", that is to say, unnecessary surgeries or chemotherapy.

So what to do?

Do not be satisfied with the results of the PSA. "There are urinary tests that can complete this first interpretation," says Pr Cussenot, Center for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Men at High Risk of Prostate Cancer at Tenon Hospital in Paris. Finally, a good surgeon does not operate every time. Some prostate cancers are tiny homes that should be monitored rather than treated. Do not hesitate to ask for a second opinion or inquire with the National Association of prostate cancer patients ( www.anamacap.fr ).

* Prescrire magazine, June 2009