Accuracy of Diagnosis for Prostate Cancer

Abstract

The accuracy of prostate cancer (PCA) diagnosis was evaluated in the subjects examined by mass screening for prostate cancer. We investigated the accuracy by the follow-up study and the Prostate Cancer Registry in Gunma Prefecture. The cause of incorrect diagnosis was stratified into 4 groups: [1] the incorrect diagnosis at mass screening, [2] the incorrect diagnosis by urologists at the hospital, [3] the biopsy-rejection by subjects with abnormal examination, and [4] incorrect diagnosis by prostate biopsy. We also analyzed the period from the initial diagnosis to the cancer confirmation and clinical stage at the time of pathological cancer-confirmation. Although it was difficult to distinguish newly developed cancer from incorrectly diagnosed cancer, it is expected that this study will demonstrate the adequate interval between screenings and how to improve the diagnostic accuracy.