New Prostate Cancer Guidelines

Prostate Cancer is the second most common cancer in men.

By: Tina Tyus-Shaw | WSAV-TV
Published: March 05, 2010

(Savannah) Last year, there were 192,000 new cases and 27,000 deaths. Despite those numbers, The American Cancer Society says some screening measures are not worth the risk. This comes after two studies suggesting early screening can lead men to seek treatment for tumors that may not be dangerous. In response, The ACS has updated guidelines recommending the screening discussion for the average risk male begin at age 50.
The Cancer Society also says that a digital rectal exam should be optional. But Savannah Urologist Dr. Samuel Torres disagrees. "We will do digital rectal exam because of case in which we can pick up prostate cancer with normal PSA with a normal digital exam. So there's no fool proof way in determining whether someone has the disease or not." The new guidelines also encourage doctors to better educate male patients about the possibility of false test results. And finally, if you had a low PSA blood test, The ACS says you can have fewer screenings. "I think this one has to be selective in a certain way and I think it becomes a matter of choice for individuals. I think just to say not to do it because you don't believe in it I think you will be missing patients that will eventually die of the disease." Dr. Torres says fewer screenings is dangerous because all prostate cancers don't behave the same way.

New Prostate Cancer Guidelines

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