MDs urged to quit prostate screens in elderly men

[flashl]

Yahoo
8-4-2008

NEW YORK - Doctors should stop routine prostate cancer screening of men over 75 because there is more evidence of harm than benefit, a federal task force advised Monday in a new blow to a much scrutinized medical test.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which made the recommendation, reported finding evidence that the benefits of treatment based on routine screening of this age group "are small to none." However, treatment often causes "moderate-to-substantial harms," including erectile dysfunction and bladder control and bowel problems, the task force said.

The new guidance is the first update by the task force on prostate cancer screening since 2002. The last report on the subject from this panel of experts, which sets the nation's primary care standards, concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend prostate screening for men of all ages.

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the value of the somewhat imprecise PSA test to detect cancer, as well as the value of treating most prostate cancers. A number of experts contend patients are being overtreated.

[HereSince1628]

1. the benefits of treatment based on routine screening of this age group "are small to none."

As insurance co.s seek more profit I wonder how common that phrase is going to get?

[Mojorabbit]

3. I agree with this

Most prostate cancers are real slow growing and and the complications from surgery at such an age would seem to reduce quality of life.

[Warpy]

4. My own dad put off going to the doctor

because he hated that prostate exam so much. That is something else to consider, creating discomfort in patients with negligible benefit.

Modern medicine should always be looked at in terms of risk versus benefit.

[Mojorabbit]

5. Yep

I read the article to my hubby as he was getting ready for work. He said, "Good". He is bound by following the standard of care whether he likes it or not for liability reasons.

[trotsky]

2. From what I've heard, if you begin to develop prostate cancer at age 75,

chances are overwhelming that something else is gonna get you before that does. This seems like a reasonable course of action.