Men concerned about prostate cancer should think before asking for a PSA test | Prostate cancer

Your article quotes the director of health services in the prostate, UK cancer says: “Men more than ever learn about their risks, and talk to their doctor about PSA [prostate specific antigen] Blood test, then take the best steps. “Prostate cancer becomes the diagnosis of the most common cancer in England, January 28). However, men should think very carefully and think about the evidence before the GP claim to take a PSA test.

In 2018, a Review the available evidence He concluded that 1000 men should take a psa screen to prevent one man from the death of prostate cancer for 10 years, and the examination may not have improved men’s chances of staying after 10 years. In 2019, review results A European random study for the inspection of prostate cancer I stated that after 16 years, 570 men had to be examined to prevent prostate cancer. The results of these scientific studies are the reason that the UK does not have a prostate examination program.

For men who decide to take a PSA test and are diagnosed with cancer, there is a difficult choice for treatment. Surgery (radio -remedy) and radiotherapy are options but, too, it should be monitored regularly with PSA tests and has no immediate treatment. The only reliable evidence to help the man choose from results Study of British protection I compared these three options in 1,610 men who were diagnosed by examination. 15 years later, 356, 45 prostate cancer died.

There was no significant difference in the risk of death, or death from prostate cancer, between the three treatment options. Three quarters of men in the active monitoring group witnessed a growth or spread of cancer and needed subsequent treatment, but a quarter of men were alive without receiving any form of treatment.
Regnald Hall
Retired urology specialist, Newcastle on Tine