New Study Sparks Debate Over Prostate Test
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: July 30, 2012
A new study finds that not doing PSA tests for prostate cancer would result in thousands of men ending up with advanced prostate cancer. PSA testing has recently come under fire as being ineffective, but the analysis finds that three times more men would end up with advanced cases of the disease without the test.
Scientists at the University of Rochester compared data from the 1980's when there was no routine testing,to recent years of widespread testing. Their study suggests the PSA test may prevent approximately 17,000 men each year from having advanced cancer at diagnosis.
A government task force recently questioned the test, concluding it has little to no benefit along with painful side effects.
Scientists at the University of Rochester compared data from the 1980's when there was no routine testing,to recent years of widespread testing. Their study suggests the PSA test may prevent approximately 17,000 men each year from having advanced cancer at diagnosis.
A government task force recently questioned the test, concluding it has little to no benefit along with painful side effects.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.