Medical Groups Applaud Changes to PSA Recommendations

Posted by Gregory Echt on May 28th, 2017

After years of back and forth between doctors, researchers and others in the healthcare community, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force has announced a preliminary decision to ease its recommendation in regard to the prostate-specific antigen test. Although still concerned about a relative high number of false positives associated with this screening, the organization has decided to elevate the rating for this test from a “D” to a “C” for men between the ages of 55 and 69 years. This is a very big step in the right direction many medical groups, including the American Association of Clinical Urologists, say.

The PSA is designed to test men’s blood for an antigen that is commonly associated with prostate cancer. Although the test had long been seen as a positive first line of defense against this disease, credited with saving many lives, its relative high rate of false positives made it fall into disfavor. With no viable replacement for early screening, however, the task force’s 2012 decision to take the test out of the routine screening loop has given rise to concerns about a lack of early detection.

The new “C” rating doesn’t necessarily mean the PSA will be recommended for all men across the board, but it may help make this simple blood draw more effective. The rating serves as an advisory for doctors that they should discuss the test, its potential benefits and risks with men and then proceed on a case-by-case basis.

Since the PSA can serve as an early warning alarm for prostate cancer and its effectiveness can be raised by repeating the test prior to taking other measures, many in the healthcare community are quite pleased with the task force’s decision.

Prostate cancer remains a very real concern for all men as they age. Men who are concerned about this condition are urged to discuss personal risks with their healthcare providers. Although not perfect, the PSA remains a valuable tool that may lead to lifesaving intervention when necessary.

About Author

Dr. Echt and his team at the Prostate Seed Institute offers the most highly sophisticated methods of radiation therapy available in the United States, equal to that found in major medical center and academic settings. These include prostate seed implantation, high dose radiation implants, and external beam radiation with image-guided and intensity-modulated (IGRT and IMRT) capabilities.