The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test does not have the ability to distinguish between deadly and harmless prostate cancers; therefore it is unusable as a population- wide screening tool, according to a new research.

Another input in the British Medical Journal says that the long-term benefits of screening were unclear.

PSA testing is rising despite the absence of any kind of formal screening in the UK. People can ask for it but it is not offered as a standard practice.

Earlier this year ministers asked the UK National Screening Committee to review the existing advice on screening after a large study reported that it could cut deaths by
20%. The decision will be taken by mid next year.

A Swedish study looked at the results of PSA tests in 540 men conducted several years before these were diagnosed with prostate cancer. These were compared them with results from 1,000 who were health.

At no point did the test predict a future prostate cancer. Improved ways of detecting prostate cancer are needed before screening can be recommended.

One more research said that it is not yet clear as to how much over-treatment was being given due to PSA testing. Unnecessary treatment may cause side-effects such as impotence and incontinence.

Dr James Kingsland, a GP in Wallasey, Merseyside, and member of the government's scientific advisory group on prostate cancer risk management, said that the research strongly suggests not to offer PSA more widely in the UK.