More harm than good in prostate screening over 75

New evidence shows that routine prostate screening may do more damage than good for elderly men. Methods used to treat prostate cancer in this age group is known to cause other health issues such as erectile dysfunction and bowel and bladder control problems, while benefits of such treatments are minimal to none.

These recommendations were made by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which concluded in 2002 that there is no substantial evidence suggesting men of any age should receive prostate screening. There has been much argumentation regarding the significance of these blood tests, which are often inaccurate, and require a biopsy for a positive confirmation. Also, there is no way of identifying how fast or slow a tumor is growing from these tests.

With this new information regarding prostate screening, doctors are encouraged to speak to their 50+ male patients (such tests should not be necessary before age 50) about the possible harms of the tests, as well as the potential benefits. Patients will then have the information needed to weigh their options and make a choice about prostate screening.

Although most prostate cancer tumors grow so sluggishly they are not considered life threatening, it is still the most common cancer among men in this country. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in men.

Since there is a favorable chance that a man will survive prostate cancer, doctors will sometimes recommend a more passive approach, known as “watchful waiting”. In these cases, doctors will track the disease and only treat their patients only if the cancer worsens. One study also found that it is not a huge risk to leave early-stage prostate cancer untreated for a period of time in older men.

If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the malpractice lawyers of Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, Staten Island and Westchester County.

Fight for justice against FRIVOLOUS DEFENSES and DECEPTIVE DEFENSES.

This may be considered a legal advertisement.

Joseph Miklos
Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.
600 Old Country Road
Garden City, New York 11530
Call Toll-free 1-877-ASK 4 SAM
www.ask4sam.net