Urology group stops recommending routine PSA test

[jprice]

Two years ago, my annual PSA test revealed an elevated PSA. My urologist recommended a template biopsy. The biopsy indicated the presence of prostate cancer. I was treated with radiation (TOMO) followed by radioactive seed implant.

All well now (I hope) and this outcome would not have happened without PSA test. Am I cured? Probably 98% chance that I am.

15 years ago, my dad died a very painful death from bone mets following radical prostatectomy - probably performed "too late", which, perhaps would not have happened if his cancer had been identified earlier with routine PSA testing.

Do I think routine PSA testing is beneficial? Absolutely!!!

 

[rbbert]

Didn't we have almost this same discussion a year or two ago?

PSA has never been a good screening test, we men must continue to hope something better comes along while we are still around to benefit from it. While testimonials like the above are interesting, they ignore the fact that a significant number (5-10%) of prostate cancers won't be detected by PSA screening.

 

[Speedskater]

Yes, it was a year & a half ago.

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?4208-Panel-advises-against-prostate-cancer-screening

 

[Steve Williams]

Yes, it was a year & a half ago.

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?4208-Panel-advises-against-prostate-cancer-screening

That recommendation came from U.S. Preventive Services Task Force whereas this one finally comes from the AUA

 

[rbbert]

No new data, though, just a re-evaluation with a little more common sense.

 

[Steve Williams]

I went through the same issues in my specialty with respect to the frequency with which Pap smears should be done and how to evaluate abnormal smears

 

[jazdoc]

I went through the same issues in my specialty with respect to the frequency with which Pap smears should be done and how to evaluate abnormal smears

At least with PAP smears there is good data demonstrating that screening and subsequent intervention significantly decreases mortality and morbidity of cervical (and now possibly endometrial) carcinoma.

 

[Steve Williams]

At least with PAP smears there is good data demonstrating the screening and subsequent intervention significantly decreases mortality and morbidity of cervical (and now possibly endometrial) carcinoma.

Agreed

It was a big deal teaching docs that it was OK to do them every 2 years after a few normal smears