Connect
← Return to Confusing Messaging about Prostate Cancer
Discussion
Confusing Messaging about Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 3 8:02pm | Replies (76)Comment receiving replies
The decline in PSA testing had nothing to do with saving money; it was a misguided reaction to doctors overtreating people based on mildly elevated PSA results.
Instead of improving treatment practices, a lot of influential people and orgs (including the researcher who initially identified PSA) lobbied simply to stop routine PSA screening, which is why we've seen a big increase in people who already have advanced prostate cancer at first diagnosis. 🤦♂️
Replies to "The decline in PSA testing had nothing to do with saving money; it was a misguided..."
@northoftheborder
Yes! Great post!
A couple of years ago my PCP at Mayo told me that PSA checks were now being prioritized again after many years of downplaying the need to test by medical society,
He said statistics started showing sharp increases in late-stage prostate cancers. It did not take long to see that not doing aggressive PSA testing was not catching prostate cancer in preliminary stages with a much higher rate of curing.
So, your post is right on!
My PSA was normal 3.75. However, I have a great PCP and did not like PSA rising each time he tested it and so referral to urologist, MRI, biopsies, and diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer.
Every doctor I saw said that I had a great PCP and his insistence on testing you and then referral to urologist allow you diagnosis in early stages with very high cure rate.
Connect
Good point! There was a savings for the MSP plan here in BC , by NOT testing men . Quite a significant amount of. But then two things happened . They increased the numbers in administration over the last 5 years AND the initial PSA test ( if they were lucky enough to get one) was historically much more severe cancer than with regular testing. So, absolutely you are right, and the frequency of advanced prostate cancer was much much higher and treat ability much much lower according to the researchers that I spoke to at the MSP planning office. I I am in talks with my member of legislature and MP trying to get some more funding for the guys at least two parity of some of the more frequent cancers. I'm trying to get some more corporate sponsorship as well and some preventative TV advertising coordination. God Bless and thanks so much for caring.