Prostate Cancer Screening: PSA Test Baseline
Dr. David Samadi clarifies confusion surrounding the new government recommendation that healthy men forgo PSA screening. As he explains, the panel’s decision is based on older studies of older men, rather than newer studies of younger men – the group most likely to benefit from PSA tests. Since 1990, prostate cancer deaths have decreased 40% as a result of early prostate cancer testing and early diagnosis. Dr. Samadi stresses the need for individualized care explaining that testing healthy, younger men allows them to establish a PSA baseline, from which annual PSA screenings can monitor changes referred to as the PSA velocity.
This drastic decision against PSA testing will ultimately affect the dearest men in our lives. One cannot put a price on the value of human life. Yes, there may be flaws in the test, just like our pills having side effects, that does NOT mean that they don’t work, in fact, they save lives! I hope the PSA test will continue to save lives by giving people a chance to seek timely action against prostate cancer.
Thank you, Dr. Samadi. Establishing a PSA baseline helped my doctors know when something was going on with my prostate.When PSA rose sharply a biopsy was done. PC was diagnosed. I consulted many resources and multiple doctors before deciding on treatment. Don’t throw out the test because it is imperfect. Improve the use of the test. Help doctors and patients be more informed.