In October 209, an article in the New York Times reported that the American Cancer Society was considering changing its guidelines for prostate and breast cancer. The American Urologic Association (AUA) - concerned about the confusion for patients - has issued the following statement on prostate cancer testing:
- The AUA strongly supports early prostate cancer detection, since prostate cancer is most treatable when caught early. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer affecting men in the U.S.
- Since PSA testing (a blood test) has become common, U.S. deaths from prostate cancer have dropped 40% - a greater decline than any other cancer. Despite this, prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
- Men aged 40 and older should be offered a baseline PSA so that the PSA can be tracked over time. A man should at least know the benefits and risks of testing.
- The controversy over screening should not involve the PSA, but rather how the test results influence decisions to biopsy or treat. An elevated PSA raises the suspicion of prostate cancer; however, a biopsy is required to diagnose.
- The PSA test does not indicate whether a cancer is aggressive, but it can help to provide information about future risk and monitoring of cancer patients.
- A cancer cannot be treated if it is not detected. Testing empowers patients and their doctors with important information to make an informed decision.
Source: AUA Health Policy Brief, Nov. 2009