Have the Rules for PSA Testing Changed?

Many cases of prostate cancer are non-aggressive and do not pose much of a threat to a patient's well being. However, a percentage of cases will be aggressive and may prove to be harmful to the patient over the long term. Regardless of what these studies prove or disprove, clinicians need to advocate the appropriate use of PSA testing for their patients. Patients need to be given the facts, and although it may not yet be clearly proven, this will most likely include PSA testing for patients who have a life expectancy of at least 12 years, race and ethnic factors, or those who have a strong family history. It is also extremely important to develop testing that would help identify the subset of patients who have risk factors for aggressive prostate cancer. The decision to screen or not to screen must be made on an individual basis with each patient.

The American Urological Association is the leading organization worldwide for specialists involved in the treatment of prostate diseases. At the end of April at their annual meeting, they are planning to release a new Best Practice Statement that will address the use of PSA testing. This definitive statement is being prepared by prostate cancer specialists and should help better establish the best use of PSA testing.