Why Was Warren Buffett Screened for Prostate Cancer?

Here's a good article from the New York Times that takes a look at prostate cancer in older men — Mr. Buffet — and whether or not they should be screened.

Mr. Buffet, at 81, is well beyond the recommended time when men should routinely get their PSA, which is 75 years old, according to highly regarded United States Preventive Services Task Force, a government panel that issues screening guidelines.

At Mr. Buffet's age, most men have signs of localized prostate cancer and don't know it, nor does it affect their lives, as the cancer is usually very slow growing. Ironically, the treatment (nine weeks of radiation in Mr. Buffet's case) can be worse than just living with the disease.
That said, every guy makes their own decision based on PSAs and treatment choices, based on age, life horizon, cancer grade, risk tolerance and doctor's advice.