Or heaven forbid an extra bit of blood is drawn for the PSA test. Sure, PSA can be elevated due to other causes, but NO one has a prostatectomy or radiation without DREs, and biopsies to confirm cancer. And if the DRE finds something it is probably at a worse stage (e.g. metastasis) vs first detection due to an elevated PSA.
No one has "radical life altering procedures" without a positive diagnosis. DREs and PSA are safe and easy. Even the biopsies, while uncomfortable, are safe.
The medical establishment should OFFER the PSA and DRE beginning at 35 (40 at the latest). The American Cancer Society and government agencies advocating no PSAs until 50 is practically criminal.
Let each person decide for themselves, it is their life - let the Doctors bring it up.
Essentially they seem to be saying that if the odds are less than 1 in 1000 of finding something, don't do the test. Most things occur at less than 1 in 1000, but it makes a difference to that 1. Insane.