The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has recently updated guidelines for prostate cancer screening, namely, now recommending against routine testing of PSA (prostate specific antigen) in the blood, and essentially also eliminating the need for routine digital rectal examination for male patients of any age.
Based on the available data, at this time I agree with this recommendation due to the overwhelming over-diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers that usually would not affect quality of life or longevity for most males while resulting in unnecessary and possibly harmful biopsies, surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
However, I still will base the screening decision on a case-by-case basis with my patients given other potential contributing factors. Also, I will perform the screening without hesitation if requested
NOTE: You will find differing recommendations from other organizations which make some valid arguments, however I would remind you that unlike most of those organizations, the USPSTF and AAFP have no potential financial interests in whether or not males are routinely screened.
I have included a link here to a short patient education handout from familydoctor.org for your review and to help stimulate any questions you may have. At the bottom of that handout you should find links to organziations offering differing opinions on the appropriateness of screening. Again, do not hesitate to request routine screening from my office if you desire it.
Please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment for further discussion.
In Good Health,
James Criner, M.D.
770-813-9250
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