The number of men getting screened for the PSA (prostate specific antigen) in their 50s has remained stable from 2010 to 2011. This is interesting since the recommendations have changed from annual PSA tests to discussing the benefits with doctors. For men in their 40s, this number was increasing until 2008. However, the number has not decreased.
"The message has been 'get screened, get screened, get screened,'" said study researcher Dr. James Goodwin, director of the Sealy Center on Aging at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "We were very, very successful in getting that message across," Goodwin said. "And then we can't just suddenly say 'stop.' "
One possibility of men still getting screened is the idea of active surveillance, where they keep getting screened to track their PSA levels. They discuss the results with their doctor to determine next steps and if there is cancer, if it is becoming more aggressive.
For the full article, visit http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51201131/ns/health-mens_health/#.UW7o4LU3tKZ
"The message has been 'get screened, get screened, get screened,'" said study researcher Dr. James Goodwin, director of the Sealy Center on Aging at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "We were very, very successful in getting that message across," Goodwin said. "And then we can't just suddenly say 'stop.' "
One possibility of men still getting screened is the idea of active surveillance, where they keep getting screened to track their PSA levels. They discuss the results with their doctor to determine next steps and if there is cancer, if it is becoming more aggressive.
For the full article, visit http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51201131/ns/health-mens_health/#.UW7o4LU3tKZ
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