More accurate detection of prostate cancer

More accurate detection of prostate cancer

According to a new Harris Interactive survey of 1,000 men, more than half expressed concern about the accuracy of the current evidence of prostate cancer. Today, the two most common methods for the detection of prostate cancer are the digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. These screening tools are most effective when used in combination. Alterations of PSA testing can not be used to provide an absolute diagnosis of prostate cancer because PSA test measures the level of a protein that is not specific to prostate cancer. For example, abnormal PSA tests often find a common noncancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia and may also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions, such as inflammation of the prostate, which is treatable with antibiotics.

After a test result abnormal PSA, the doctor may order a follow-up, such as a prostate biopsy, or recommend an approach to "wait and see", repeating tests DRE and PSA regularly to observe changes. "The tools of PSA screening and DRE have been important in reducing the number of deaths from prostate cancer each year," said Dr. Paul Lange, chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Washington and author of Prostate Cancer for Dummies. "However, as follow-up tests should be performed after an abnormal DRE or PSA test, there remains a degree of uncertainty, which may lead to patient anxiety." Once detected and prostate cancer is diagnosed, the men face a choice between the approach of "wait and see" and treatment, which may affect the quality of life. In fact, the survey found that 80 percent of men would be concerned about the effect of the treatment of prostate cancer in their sexual life.

"A cancer diagnosis can make a patient's life upside down, and men want to know they are getting the most accurate information available at the time of the detection of prostate cancer," added Dr. Lange. "A new urine test is being developed that may be able to detect prostate cancer with improved accuracy." Gen-Probe, a company based in San Diego diagnosis, is developing this urine test, which specific genetic changes for prostate cancer are sought. By looking at these changes, physicians may have a more specific method for detecting prostate cancer. This new test, which is used in combination with DRE and PSA, can greatly improve the early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that men tested annually for prostate cancer starting at 50. However, if a patient has a family history of prostate cancer or are African American, it is recommended that annual screening is started at age 40. It is believed that early detection of prostate cancer increases survival chances