[Hopespringpcsg] FW: FYI From newswire.ca Topic: PSA testing still essential - CUA position contrasts the US position

[Glen Tolhurst]

Hi all:

Interesting article below wrt PSA testing.

A good counter argument to  all the recent discussions against PSA testing,
particularly from the US.

So, encourage the "men in your life" to have a PSA test.

Take care,

Glen

*	November 21, 2011 2:00 PM 
*	- General
*	- Health & Wellness

 


PSA testing still essential - CUA position contrasts the US position


 

MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Urological Association
(CUA) position on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a screening test for
prostate cancer differs from the recent position1 of the US Preventive
Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF concluded that PSA-based screening
minimally reduces prostate cancer-specific deaths and is associated with
harms related to evaluation and treatments, some of which may be
unnecessary. This position differs from the CUA position published in June
2011.2 The CUA stands by its guideline on PSA screening for prostate cancer:
PSA testing should be offered to all men 50 years of age or older with a
life expectancy of at least 10 years. Men at increased risk of prostate
cancer (those of African descent or having a close relative with prostate
cancer) should consider beginning testing for prostate cancer at age 40. 

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in Canada (excluding skin
cancer) with 25,500 new cases and 4100 deaths projected in 2011.3 The
principle of screening for a disease implies early detection of a condition
that is common, amenable to cure and for which available treatments have
"acceptable" side effects. PSA measurement by a simple blood test has been
shown to help find prostate cancer when it may be undetectable by other
means and before any symptoms develop. In addition to helping detect
prostate cancer, the PSA test is very useful in monitoring response to
treatment and disease progression. 

While low-risk prostate cancer may never lead to illness or death,
particularly in older men suffering from other illnesses, many others will
suffer the consequences of progressive disease, including problems with
urination, pain from cancer spread and premature death. When detected early,
prostate cancer can be cured or controlled with appropriate treatment,
although this treatment may result in bothersome side effects, including
urinary symptoms and leakage, sexual dysfunction and altered bowel
movements. Some men with low-risk prostate cancer can be managed without
treatment, avoiding side effects unless and until disease progression
suggests that treatment is necessary. This strategy of active surveillance
for low- risk prostate cancer, now widely practiced in Canada, reduces the
problem of over-treatment - the main concern expressed by the USPSTF. 

We encourage Canadian men to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PSA
testing for the early detection of prostate cancer with a qualified medical
practitioner. PSA testing should remain an essential part of the
investigation of suspected prostate cancer and the monitoring of men with
treated or untreated prostate cancer. 

The CUA exists to promote the highest standard of urologic care for
Canadians and to advance the art and science of urology. 

1. www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf12/prostate/prostateart.htm
2.  <http://www.cua.org/guidelines_e.asp> www.cua.org/guidelines_e.asp
3. Canadian Cancer Society statistics  2011 (http://www.cancer.ca/Canad
<http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/PowerPo
int%20slides.aspx?sc_lang=en>
a-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/PowerPoint%20slides.aspx?sc_lang=e
n
<http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20cancer/Cancer%20statistics/PowerPo
int%20slides.aspx?sc_lang=en> ) 

For further information: CUA contact: Dr. Tony Finelli, CUA Guidelines
Committee Chair

 

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