Canada-PSA still a powerful test

Re: Study finds prostate cancer to be far more widespread, July 15
Published on Mon Jul 15 2013
 

The PSA is the only test we currently have to help diagnose prostate cancer. While there are controversies amongst the medical community over its value, a controversy that also exists for mammography, elevated PSA readings still serve as a powerful red flag for physicians to further investigate.
 

Recent stats by the Canadian Cancer Society estimate that in 2013, approximately 23,600 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 3,900 will die from the disease. Prostate cancer is 90 per cent curable when detected early, so what, or who, are we missing?

Perhaps an informed patient-physician discussion that may lead to the decision to perform a PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE) could prevent many of the estimated 3,900 deaths this year — we don’t know.
 

We do know that the early warning signal provided by the PSA can’t happen if men choose to ignore their health and avoid doctors’ visits. An informed discussion with a patient’s family doctor is essential because it is based on individual medical history and personal risk factors for prostate cancer.
 

In an age of informed health care, this is one of the most powerful tools we have. Worried about prostate cancer? Know your risk. Talk to your doctor. Get informed.
 

Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Prostate Cancer Canada

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2013/07/15/psa_still_a_powerful_test.html