Wise words but not what guided the authors. They were guided by the desire to determine on a population wide basis whether the test was economically and procedurally worthwhile. Such studies are actually pretty common. The uproar about mammography was the result of such a study. Whether we like it or not much of our medical care is determined by political and economic factors at corporate and governmental levels. Bottom line we are talking about money.

From what I know this study could just as well have recommended better analysis and interpretation of PSA data resulting in better post test actions. It certainly appears the damage comes not from the PSA test results but from ill considered actions from physicians and patients. Of course the providers make more money from those actions than from patient counseling so maybe that might be an area deserving more focus.

Added after intervening post while I was typing:

Since the NYTimes article is in line with my thoughts it is the absolutely best thing .