By Candy Lashkari
A new study wants men to be informed about risks associated with screening for prostate cancer. The research has brought out that the prostate cancer tests can cause significant psychological distress to the men undergoing the screening. 330 men were studied by the University of Bristol as they underwent the tests and after they finished.
The study findings were concluded in an article in the British Journal of Cancer where it was stressed that the men should be given warnings about the distress that they might experience from a PSA test. An elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) indicates prostate cancer and may require a biopsy. In 70% of the cases there is no cancerous growth. Despite having a negative result some men still felt psychologically disturbed.
Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. PSA is present in small quantities in the serum of normal men, and is often elevated in the presence of prostate cancer and in other prostate disorders. A blood test to measure PSA is currently considered the most effective test currently available for the early detection of prostate cancer.
The study also seeks to review the current NHS policy of testing on request as it was found that 20% deaths could be averted due to timely screening. Currently men over 45 can request for a screening if they wish, but many of them do not go in for the screening tests due to the psychological and psychological ramifications.
Professor Kavita Vedhara, who led the research said, “We found that in some men, the psychological effects lasted even after the men were told their biopsy was benign. It's essential that doctors know about this, and that men are fully informed of the psychological challenges they may face during and after a PSA test."