Impact of the evolving United States Preventative Services Task Force policy statements on incidence and distribution of prostate cancer over 15 years in a statewide cancer registry

Abstract

Background: The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guideline on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)-based prostate cancer screening evolved both in 2008 (Grade I for men 75 years) and in 2012 (Grade D for all ages). Materials and methods: A statewide cancer registry operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health was accessed to analyze over a 15-year period prostate cancer rates across different categories including age, stage, and geographic distribution. Results: Local prostate cancer rates decreased significantly when comparing before and after USPSTF's guideline changes: 2002–2008 vs. 2009–2012 vs. 2013–2016 (p 70 years), the implications of the aforementioned observations on mortality outcomes merit further follow-up.

Keywords

• Prostate Cancer
• Screening
• State Cancer Registry
• USPSTF