Epidemiology and organized testing for the diagnosis of prostate cancer in Sweden

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among men in Sweden. The natural history and risk factors of prostate cancer, particularly within hereditary populations, have been extensively studied in the Swedish context. Despite the absence of national recommendations for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, a large proportion of Swedish men undergo PSA testing. This unstructured testing approach has shown limited effectiveness and imposes a considerable burden on healthcare resources. To address these challenges, many regions in Sweden began implementing organized prostate cancer testing (OPT) in 2020. OPT targets specific age groups, providing them with comprehensive information about PSA testing, including its potential benefits and harms, to support informed individual decision-making. Subsequent PSA testing and follow-up procedures adhere to a standardized algorithm that incorporates individual risk factors, genetic predisposition, and the natural progression of prostate cancer. This review outlines the current recommendations, implementation strategies, and emerging frontiers for prostate cancer diagnosis in Sweden.

Keywords

epidemiology / organized prostate cancer testing / prostate cancer / screening

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