Until there is a better widespread test for this potentially
devastating disease, the USPSTF – by disparaging the test – is doing a great
disservice to the men worldwide who may benefit from the PSA
test. – AUA
AUA RESPONDS
TO NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Association urges men to speak
with their physicians about the value of prostate cancer testing
LINTHICUM, MD, October 7, 2011–The American Urological
Association (AUA) today released the following statement in response to the U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force draft recommendations on the use of the
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The statement is attributed to AUA
President Sushil S. Lacy, MD:
The American Urological Association
(AUA) applauds the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for its interest in
reviewing the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. However, we are
concerned that the Task Force’s recommendations will ultimately do more harm
than good to the many men at risk for prostate cancer both here in the United
States and around the world. The AUA’s current clinical recommendations support
the use of the PSA test, and it is our feeling that, when interpreted
appropriately, the PSA test provides important information in the diagnosis,
pre-treatment staging or risk assessment and monitoring of prostate cancer
patients.
Not all prostate cancers require active treatment and not all
prostate cancers are life threatening. The decision to proceed to active
treatment is one that men should discuss in detail with their urologists to
determine whether active treatment is necessary, or whether surveillance may be
an option for their prostate cancer.
The AUA is currently preparing a new
clinical guideline on this topic, and has convened a panel of experts to review
not only the use of the PSA test, but also early detection of prostate cancer
overall, taking into account the new tests and diagnostics that are becoming
available. Until there is a better widespread test for this potentially
devastating disease, the USPSTF – by disparaging the test – is doing a great
disservice to the men worldwide who may benefit from the PSA
test.
For more information about the AUA’s position on the early
detection of prostate cancer, or to arrange an interview with an expert
urologist, please contact the AUA Communications Office at
410-689-3932.
About the American Urological
Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore,
Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional
organization for urologists, with more than 18,000 members throughout the world.
An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering
the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of
programs for members and their patients.
Prostate Diaries 
The AUA brought the salient points to bear on the contoversy bordering on pandemonia which unfortunately the PSA test has endengered. Indeed PSA tests are merely a tool to be used diligently by treating physicians. Until this tool is replaced by more robust ones PSA is merely a diagnostic tool to be used in conjunction with other clinical tests.
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