PCSANM's Position on US Preventative Services Task Force Revised Guideline on Prostate Cancer Screening
However, while PCSANM is pleased with the “C” recommendation embodied in the guidelines, there are weaknesses and omissions. Why a “C” but only for men 55-69? Just because the retrospective studies to date have looked more at that age group than others ignores the fact that because prostate cancer is often slow-growing, one doesn’t see the benefits of screening sometimes for more than 10-15 years. Screening early means fewer chances of developing metastatic disease during those years, so why wait until 55 to start testing? We believe that a man’s first, baseline PSA should be around the age of 45, establishing risk and personalizing future follow up. That risk stratification is critical. PSA is just a data point; it is what you do with that information that is important.
Why does the USPSTF (that worries about over treatment if a man is diagnosed) not recommend genomic testing, MRI, liquid biopsies, and other indolent disease that might lead to active surveillance rather than treatment? Why stop testing at age 70 and classify that as a “D” recommendation? Both the American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network talk about testing for men with at least a ten-year life expectancy– that should be the criterion, not an arbitrary age marker. And veterans, especially those who were exposed to Agent Orange, should be included in the “higher risk” population for earlier testing, along with African-American men and men with a positive family history.
US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Revised Guideline on Prostate Cancer Screening
US Preventive Services Task Force "C" Grade for Prostate Cancer Testing
Offer or provide this service for selected patients depending on individual circumstances.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Considerations in Patients of Low Socioeconomic Status
Low health literacy and barriers to follow-up medical appointments are among the difficulties clinicians face when managing prostate cancer in low-income populations.
Sexual Health After Prostate Cancer: Patients and Partners
All forms of prostate cancer treatment can have a potential impact on sexual health.
New Research Finds Low Bone Health Testing Rates After Prostate Cancer Treatment
Study finds bone mineral density testing for men with prostate cancer undergoing ADT are not meeting guideline recommendations.
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Radiation, Immunotherapy and the Abscopal Effect
From a discussion with Dr. Charles G. Drake is the Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Co-Director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Program, and Associate Director for Clinical Research at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian/Columbia...
Improving Prostate Cancer Early Detection with Biomarkers in Primary Care
A prostate biopsy should not be performed unless the risk of detecting a clinically significant aggressive tumor is likely.
Radiation Dosages and Erectile Dysfunction
An excessive radiation dose, particularly to the prostate apex area, and an advanced age might have a negative impact on the preservation of potency after prostate brachytherapy.
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Reports Summarize Prostate Cancer Research from University of California
A machine learning approach to optimizing cell-free DNA sequencing panels, with an application to prostate cancer
Recent Studies from University of Montreal Add New Data to Prostate Cancer
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