Study casts doubt on value of prostate tests

[RedEarth]

CHICAGO, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Men screened for prostate cancer through blood tests or digital examinations die of the disease at about the same rate as those who were not checked, researchers said on Monday.

"This study suggests that screening was not effective," said John Concato, a doctor at the Yale School of Medicine who led the study. "Unfortunately, screening tests can sometimes find cancer, even at early stages, but not prolong survival."

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men after lung cancer. Doctors check for it with a digital exam of the small gland and by measuring the level of a protein called PSA in the blood.

The Washington-based National Prostate Cancer Coalition criticized the study, saying researchers needed to take other factors such as treatment into account.

"We need a better biomarker for prostate cancer, no doubt about it," said Richard Atkins, head of the group. "It will take research to find it. But in the meantime, we need to use the PSA test with appropriate follow-up measures to diagnose prostate cancer. ... These studies confuse men about screening."

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N06388165.htm