New Prostate Cancer Tests Could Reduce False Alarms

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By ANDREW POLLACK

Sophisticated new prostate cancer tests are coming to market that might supplement the unreliable P.S.A. test, potentially saving tens of thousands of men each year from unnecessary biopsies, operations and radiation treatments.

Some of the tests are aimed at reducing the false alarms, and accompanying anxiety, caused by elevated P.S.A. readings. Others, intended for use after a definitive diagnosis, examine the genetic workings of the cancer to distinguish dangerous tumors that need treatment from slow-growing ones that might be left alone.

The tests could provide a way out of the bitter debate over whether healthy men should be screened for prostate cancer.

The problem with the P.S.A. blood test is that many of the cancers it detects are unlikely to cause harm. But there is no reliable way to identify them. So a large majority of men with positive tests undergo surgery or radiation treatment, and many suffer for years, needlessly, from complications like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

FULL story and video at link.


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/business/new-prostate-cancer-tests-may-supplement-psa-testing.html?partner=EXCITE&ei=5043&_r=0

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

1. Too late for me

When I turned 61 my PSA suddenly peaked. After a biopsy and a second opinion my urologist was more than happy to perform a prostatectomy. When the lab examined the prostate and the cells removed from surrounding tissue, however, they found zero cancer cells. Zero. The side effects of the operation suck.

If I had to do it again I would get as many tests as possible, from as many different labs as possible, until I felt absolutely positive of the diagnosis. I would not allow anyone to rush me into making a decision. (This my first major operation so I thought doctors were gods, not humans with egos and the same frailties as the rest of us.) I would also use the da Vinci Surgical System -- a friend didn't have the side effects after an operation with that machine. Unfortunately that option wasn't available under my HMO.

There are lots of websites with suggestions for preventing prostate cancer and your options if you get a positive result. I'd highly suggest checking some of them out.

[Javaman]

2. Thanks for the sound advice. Sorry that you had to go through that.

I'm 50 and my prostate is slowly enlarging. Nothing bad yet, but I did have an uncle who died at 87 of prostate cancer, but then again, at his age and the life he lived, it's really hard to say that the prostate cancer is what killed him.

Again, thanks for the advice. I go for my yearly physical next month and will get an update on the state of my prostate.

Cheers.

[dhill926]

3. very important info.....thanks....

and bookmarked....

[In_The_Wind]

4. This is wonderful news!