thomasdevos
10-05-2009, 10:07 PM
<strong>If you have a PSA test for prostate cancer?</strong>
Most men of a certain age have heard of blood test for PSA. The PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen, test detects levels of PSA in the blood of a patient. Higher levels increase the probability of prostate cancer, but are not diagnostic of cancer.
If the PSA test indicates a higher probability of prostate cancer, then usually a series of biopsies are taken from the prostate. If cancer is found, then some form of treatment is usually started. The treatments for prostate cancer localized or anticipated, including surgery, radiation (internal and external), and ultrasound (in some parts of the world).
<strong>The crucial issue in the paradigm of PSA</strong>
The crucial issue in the paradigm of PSA screening is to know whether or not screening saves lives. It is well known that there are significant side effects of treatment, including erectile dysfunction, incontinence, rectal problems. and even death.
Recently, The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has published recommendations on it last blood test for PSA.
The Task Force recommended that screening is not recommended for men over 75 years because there is no evidence that treatment of prostate cancer at this point will increase life expectancy and side effects of treatment are important. The Task Force also recommended that there is no conclusion about screening in men under 75.
The working group recommendations are available on their site at annals.org.
The essence of the debate is that significant side effects occur immediately, while the potential benefits of life expectancy has increased mainly be beneficial for patients with long life expectancy. Many prostate cancers are slow growing and patients often die of other causes.
As new data are expected to judge the value of PSA screening in men under 75, it is fair to say that the decision is a personal one that should be discussed with each patient.
There are men over 75 who may be in great shape with a life expectancy longer than 10 years may decide that the PSA test is potentially of benefit to them. Contrary to the recommendations of the Task Force, the American Cancer Society Guide say screening should be offered to men over 50 years with a life expectancy of at least 10 years, with a detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages.
So, ultimately you should discuss PSA screening with your doctor and see if it makes sense for you.
Reference Site:
prostate cancer treatment (http://prostate-cancer-treatment-cure.com)
prostatecancerfoundation (http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org)
en.wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate_cancer)
www.cancer.gov (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate)
neworiental (http://www.neworiental.org/publish/portal0/tab1127/info377702.htm)
Most men of a certain age have heard of blood test for PSA. The PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen, test detects levels of PSA in the blood of a patient. Higher levels increase the probability of prostate cancer, but are not diagnostic of cancer.
If the PSA test indicates a higher probability of prostate cancer, then usually a series of biopsies are taken from the prostate. If cancer is found, then some form of treatment is usually started. The treatments for prostate cancer localized or anticipated, including surgery, radiation (internal and external), and ultrasound (in some parts of the world).
<strong>The crucial issue in the paradigm of PSA</strong>
The crucial issue in the paradigm of PSA screening is to know whether or not screening saves lives. It is well known that there are significant side effects of treatment, including erectile dysfunction, incontinence, rectal problems. and even death.
Recently, The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has published recommendations on it last blood test for PSA.
The Task Force recommended that screening is not recommended for men over 75 years because there is no evidence that treatment of prostate cancer at this point will increase life expectancy and side effects of treatment are important. The Task Force also recommended that there is no conclusion about screening in men under 75.
The working group recommendations are available on their site at annals.org.
The essence of the debate is that significant side effects occur immediately, while the potential benefits of life expectancy has increased mainly be beneficial for patients with long life expectancy. Many prostate cancers are slow growing and patients often die of other causes.
As new data are expected to judge the value of PSA screening in men under 75, it is fair to say that the decision is a personal one that should be discussed with each patient.
There are men over 75 who may be in great shape with a life expectancy longer than 10 years may decide that the PSA test is potentially of benefit to them. Contrary to the recommendations of the Task Force, the American Cancer Society Guide say screening should be offered to men over 50 years with a life expectancy of at least 10 years, with a detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages.
So, ultimately you should discuss PSA screening with your doctor and see if it makes sense for you.
Reference Site:
prostate cancer treatment (http://prostate-cancer-treatment-cure.com)
prostatecancerfoundation (http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org)
en.wikipedia.org (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate_cancer)
www.cancer.gov (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/prostate)
neworiental (http://www.neworiental.org/publish/portal0/tab1127/info377702.htm)