As part of a screening program for prostate cancer, men at a senior citizens' center are having their blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measured

Which of the following statements would best characterize a high positive predictive value but a low negative predictive value for this screening test?
A)
All of the men who had high PSA levels developed prostate cancer; several men who had low PSA levels also developed prostate cancer.
B)
All of the men who had low PSA levels were cancer-free; several men who had high levels also remained free of prostate cancer.
C)
Men who had low PSA levels also displayed false-positive results for prostate cancer; men with high levels were often falsely diagnosed with prostate cancer.
D)
The test displayed low sensitivity but high specificity.


Ans:
A

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The test's inability to rule out cancer with a low PSA level indicates a low negative predictive value. Answer B suggests a high negative predictive value, while answer C indicates a low positive predictive value. High positive predictive value is associated with high sensitivity.

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