In a recent article in the New York Times, writer Tara Parker-Pope outlines the recent debate regarding the need for Prostate tests in old men. 2008 saw the end of men older than 75 being tested for Prostate cancer, according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The usual test would be a prostate specific antigen, or P.S.A. The task force had mentioned that the procedure and test would further disrupt, cause harm, and pain for many elderly. Although this was decided, very few doctors and patients have decided to obey and follow this. In reality, P.S.A screening was more common in men ages 75 and older, than any other years.
Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/older-men-still-being-screened-for-prostate-cancer/?ref=health
Questions: According to the article, doctors and physicians choose to carry out the test because talking about life expectancy with patients is an extremely touchy subject. Should our future medical schools and colleges offer classes that deal with certain scenarios? Other sources believe that doctors are constantly over diagnosing when it comes to prostate cancer, is there such a thing as over diagnosing?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.