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Prostate testing. It's your choice |
Two large international studies have recently shed some light on the benefit of screening for prostate cancer in men.
However, there is still no clear-cut answer and men aged 40-74 years need to make their own personal choice on whether to be tested.
Two tests are used for screening: a PSA test (blood test) and a rectal examination, in which the doctor inserts a finger in the anus (bottom).
The benefit of screening
The latest research indicates that regular screening may reduce your risk of dying from prostate cancer by a modest 20%. If 1,000 men are regularly screened over 9 years, there will be one less death from prostate cancer during that time: 3 men will die instead of 4.
The downside
• Unnecessary treatment. Half the cancers found are relatively benign and will never cause symptoms or death. However, many of these are treated, usually by prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or radiotherapy. The research showed that 48 men will receive unnecessary treatment to prevent one death over 9 years.
• Treatment complications. Treatment carries significant risks such as impotence (erectile dysfunction), urinary incontinence (leakage) and bowel problems.
• Unnecessary biopsies. If the PSA is raised, a biopsy (a small operation to take a sample) is usually performed. However, the PSA test is unreliable. For every 4 men with a raised PSA, only 1 will have cancer. The other 3 will have the anxiety and discomfort of an unnecessary biopsy.
Men with a family history are at greater risk and may gain more benefit from testing.
It’s your call. There is no right or wrong answer. Speak to your GP or visit www.andrologyaustralia.org or www.prostatehealth.org.au.
Disclaimer:
Please note this information was correct at time of printing.
For up to date information, speak to your doctor. Source: Summer 2009 Edition | Page 3
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