Published on November 4, 2009 at 3:30 AM
The controversy over prostate cancer should not surround the test, but rather how test results influence the decision to treat. The decision to proceed to prostate biopsy should be based not only on elevated PSA and/or abnormal DRE results, but should take into account multiple factors including free and total PSA, patient age, PSA velocity, PSA density, family history, ethnicity, prior biopsy history and comorbidities.
A cancer cannot be treated if it is not detected. Not all prostate cancers require immediate treatment; active surveillance, in lieu of immediate treatment, is an option that should be considered for some men. Testing empowers patients and their urologists with the information to make an informed decision.
The above statement may be attributed to AUA Past President John M. Barry, MD. The AUA Best Practice Statement on Prostate-Specific Antigen can be viewed here: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/psa09.pdf.
Source: American Urological Association