How Many Doctors Use the Prostate-Specific-Antigen Test
Doctors can look at the issue of using the PSA test in two ways. First, they can use it and, if research eventually shows that it is not effective, then discontinue it. Second, they can withhold using it until trials show that it does more good than harm. It's not an easy decision, but epidemiological studies suggest that more choose the former option, in favor of using the PSA test. A nationwide survey of doctors in 1995 showed that over one-half of primary care physicians used it as part of routine health maintenance for men over the age of 50. The proportion varied somewhat with age:
| Percentage of Primary Care Physicians Recommending the PSA Test | Age Range of Patients |
| 55% | 50–59 |
| 66% | 60–69 |
| 65% | 70–74 |
| 58% | 75–79 |
| 53% | 80 and over |
This is a little surprising because even advocates of PSA testing generally discourage screening in men over 75 because they are least likely to benefit from early detection of slow growing cancer. At least one-third of primary care physicians did not use the PSA routinely at any age. Most physicians and urologists, however, reported "almost always" ordering a PSA test for men over 50 who have symptoms of BPH.
