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Standard prostate cancer test faces debate
by Neka Sehgal - March 14, 2010 - comments
The PSA test simply measures the level of prostrate cancer antigens found in the blood. Although the test can detect a tumor, it is unable to differentiate between an aggressive tumor and the smaller benign ones.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) procedure, the most preferred cancer screening test for men has come under the cloud after its discoverer Richard Ablin from the University of Arizona, pointed out that it is not only expensive but useless and actually harmful.
Writing in his column he stated, "The test's popularity has led to a hugely expensive public health disaster.
"As I've been trying to make clear for many years now, PSA testing can't detect prostate cancer and, more important, it can't distinguish between the two types of prostate cancer -- the one that will kill you and the one that won't.”
He further added, "Instead, the test simply reveals how much of the prostate antigen a man has in his blood."
The PSA test simply measures the level of prostate cancer antigens found in the blood. Although the test can detect a tumor, it is unable to differentiate between an aggressive tumor and the smaller benign ones.
In addition, the level of prostrate antigens in the blood can spike for reasons not related to cancer.
American men have a 16 percent chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but only a 3 percent chance of dying from it. This is because the majority of the prostate cancers grow slowly, giving men a fair chance of dying with the disease in old age than dying of it.
PSA results can be erroneous
The American Cancer Society no longer supports the annual routine tests after clinical trials determined that PSA cannot cut the risk of death to prostrate cancer in men as the results can be erroneous.
The worst part is that biopsy or treatment for prostate cancer often causes more problems than the disease.
In most men, especially over 65, treating only if absolutely necessary is recommended otherwise the best option is “watchful waiting.”
According to Ablin, American men have a 16 percent chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, but only a 3 percent chance of dying from it. This is because the majority of the prostate cancers grow slowly giving men a fair chance of dying with prostate cancer in old age than dying of it.
Guidelines issued for PSA screening
However, if men wants to be screened they should first take part in an educational session with urologists to thoroughly discuss the individual disease risks, general pros and cons of testing and possible harms it may cause.
They should also be provided with written information about the test and an opportunity to ask questions.
However, men with a family history of prostate cancer should get tested regularly. If their score is increasing it could be an indication of cancer.
Also, PSA is useful to determine the return of the disease after prostate treatment.