Prostate Cancer Screening in Question

The British Medical Journal 325:740-743, reaches the following conclusion concerning screening for prostate cancer:

"More intensive screening for prostate cancer and treatment with radical prostatectomy and external beam rediotherapy among Medicare beneficiaries in the Seattle area than in the Connecticut area was not associated with lower prostate cancer specific mortality over 11 years of follow up"

In the face of this statement what course should the prudent male patient follow? We believe the jury is still out on this issue. Patients should continue to undergo routine screening, i.e.. PSA blood testing and a digital rectal exam. Abnormalitites on either should be followed up by a visit to a urologist. As this issue evolves we will keep you informed.

Webmaster

January 07, 2003