How can I effectively communicate the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening to my patients?

Effectively communicating the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening to patients involves a patient-centred, clear, and balanced approach that supports informed decision-making. Begin by assessing the patient’s desire for involvement in decision-making and tailor information to their individual needs, using clear, reliable, and up-to-date resources, including written and visual aids where appropriate ¹.

Explain the potential benefits of screening, such as early detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, which can improve long-term survival chances if treated early. However, also clearly communicate the limitations and risks, including the possibility of false negatives (missed cancers), false positives, and overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant cancers that may lead to unnecessary monitoring or treatment ¹.

Use decision aids and tools, such as nomograms or the Predict Prostate patient decision aid, to help patients understand their individual risk and the likely outcomes of different management options, facilitating shared decision-making ¹,². Emphasize that no screening test is 100% effective and that some cancers may develop between screening intervals (interval cancers) (Barrett and McKenna, 2011; Valentine et al., 2022).

Discuss the possible harms of subsequent diagnostic procedures like prostate biopsy, including discomfort and the risk of detecting indolent cancers, and explain the rationale for using multiparametric MRI to better stratify risk before biopsy ¹.

Address common patient concerns such as the impact of treatment on quality of life, including sexual function, urinary symptoms, and psychological effects, and offer access to specialist support services for further information and psychosocial support ¹,².

Finally, encourage patients to access reputable cancer information services and support groups to reinforce understanding and provide ongoing support ¹,². This comprehensive, empathetic communication strategy improves patient knowledge, aligns screening decisions with patient values, and supports informed consent (Barrett and McKenna, 2011; Valentine et al., 2022).