Myths Surround Prostate Cancer Testing
By: Charlotte Ames
Updated: September 29, 2012
When it comes to screening and treatment of prostate cancer, one expert says there are several myths about the PSA blood test.
Dr. Eric Klein , Cleveland Clinic says most PSA screening is done in men over 65 and it detects low grade cancers that don't need to be treated. Dr. Klein explains, "those aren't the men who benefit. The men who benefit are young, have a PSA pattern that is highly suggestive of cancer, who don't ignore it, who are biopsied for high grade cancer and are then treated and cured of their cancer."
Dr. Klein says another PSA screening myth is that a high PSA score always means prostate cancer. Other conditions such as an enlarged prostate that's non-cancerous can also cause an elevated score, and a biopsy is the only way to know for sure.
Dr. Eric Klein , Cleveland Clinic says most PSA screening is done in men over 65 and it detects low grade cancers that don't need to be treated. Dr. Klein explains, "those aren't the men who benefit. The men who benefit are young, have a PSA pattern that is highly suggestive of cancer, who don't ignore it, who are biopsied for high grade cancer and are then treated and cured of their cancer."
Dr. Klein says another PSA screening myth is that a high PSA score always means prostate cancer. Other conditions such as an enlarged prostate that's non-cancerous can also cause an elevated score, and a biopsy is the only way to know for sure.
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.