PSA test > The pros and cons of PSA testing
Your choice
It is up to you whether you have the PSA test to screen for prostate
cancer, and whether you continue with annual or biannual checks. But
make sure you base your decision on reliable information, not the
latest newspaper, radio or TV article, or some unsubstantiated internet
site, and discuss it with your partner. The Department
of Health has recently changed its policy on PSA testing and has
agreed that men should be entitled to this test once they have had
enough information to make an informed choice. For more
information visit www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate/.
| Pros |
- Allows early detection of potentially curable prostate
cancer
- Permits the doctor to estimate prostate size in a patient
with BPH
- Helps the doctor predict response to certain drugs
- Allows the doctor to estimate how advanced the cancer
is at diagnosis
- Can be used to monitor men at increased risk of prostate
cancer, such as those with a family history
- Can help the doctor estimate the patient's risk of developing
prostate cancer in the future
- A negative result is reassuring
- Sequential values provide extra information about cancer
risk
- Helpful for monitoring response to treatment
|
| Cons |
- Clinically insignificant cancers may be detected, causing
needless worry and further medical procedures for the
patient
- Men without cancer may have a false-positive result
(particularly those with borderline PSA values)
- A false-negative result may provide unwarranted reassurance
- There are cost implications – not only regarding
the PSA test, but of biopsy and treatment options if
the biopsy is positive
- Those undergoing biopsy are exposed to the risks of
bleeding and infection.
|
