Stand up to cancer and the PSA test -- yes, no, maybe? Sep 9, 2008
Stand Up to Cancer and the PSA test -- yes, no, maybe. Booster Shots | Los Angeles Times. (Los Angeles Times)
Painkillers Lower PSA Test Readings Sep 8, 2008
Could complicate prostate cancer screening process, researchers say. By Ed EdelsonHealthDay Reporter. (Health-Finder)
Herald seeks medical news for Healthy Living Sep 6, 2008
A PSA test is recommended for men older than 50. Results are reviewed by a physician and mailed to participants homes. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
HEALTH BLOG: Digging into the latest cancer studies Aug 28, 2008
Plus, while the PSA test can pick up the tiniest tumors, it also often picks up what turns out to be benign prostate enlargement, triggering additional testing and anxiety. You can read a of the new recommendations or you can read them in the latest Annals of Internal Medicine. (USA Today -- Money)
A Debate Over Screening (1 Letter) Aug 20, 2008
How as a doctor do I explain to my patient who was not screened and now shows up with metastatic prostate cancer that if a PSA test had been done several years earlier, he might have had a chance for a cure. It seems to me that our emphasis should be on improving treatment options and medical decisions rather than discouraging the search for a cancer in the first place. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
HEALTH NOTES / Health Fair to offer prostate screening Aug 12, 2008
Screening for prostate problems is conventionally done by a PSA test ... For example, the PSA test may detect small cancers that would never become life threatening. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
One in 5 Young Men Had Prostate Screen in Past Year Aug 11, 2008
The study found only about one in three black men reported having a PSA test in the past year. The survey, based on a 2002 survey of 58,511 U.S. men aged 40 and above, also found that younger Hispanic men were more likely to undergo PSA testing than younger white, non-Hispanic men ... The likelihood of having a PSA test also increased with obesity, as well as having a higher household income and higher education level. (Health-Finder)
1 in 5 young men has had recent prostate cancer test Aug 11, 2008
In particular, young, black, non-Hispanic men were more likely than young white, non-Hispanic men to report having a PSA test in the previous year ... However, they also noted that PSA screening in this group remains potentially suboptimal; only about one in three African American men reported having a PSA test in the previous year ... The survey also revealed that younger Hispanic men were more likely to undergo PSA testing than younger white, non-Hispanic men. (EurekAlert!)
Exposure To Agent Orange Linked To Prostate Cancer In Vietnam Veterans Aug 6, 2008
5, 2008) UC Davis Cancer Center physicians today released results of research showing that Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange have greatly increased risks of prostate cancer and even greater risks of getting the most aggressive form of the disease as compared to those who were not exposed. The findings, which appear online now and will be published in the September 15 issue of the journal Cancer, are the first to link the herbicide with this form of cancer. (Science Daily)
Prostate testing downplayed Aug 6, 2008
UPDATED: :40 a.m. PDT, August 06, 2008. by 08/04/2008 8:39 p.m. PT. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Prostate Screens More Harm Than Good In Elderly Men? Aug 6, 2008
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the value of the somewhat imprecise PSA test to detect cancer, as well as the value of treating most prostate cancers. A number of experts contend patients are being overtreated. (W-USA News, DC)
Panel questions prostate test Aug 5, 2008
The PSA test, which measures a protein in the blood produced by prostate tissue, has significantly increased the number of men who are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at very early stages. But it remains unclear whether that translates into a reduction in the death rate from the disease. (Boston Globe)
Stop prostate exams at age 75, federal panel recommends Aug 5, 2008
The test in question is called the prostate-specific antigen or PSA test, which most men start receiving at the age of 50. High blood levels of the antigen in the test generally indicate the presence of a tumor. (Los Angeles Times)
Agent Orange Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer Aug 5, 2008
On a Handheld Device. SIGN UP FOR FREE NEWS ALERTS. (Newsmax)
'I HAD CANCER, BUT CANCER DID NOT HAVE ME': Free prostate cancer screenings to be held at Bamberg Job Corps Center Jun 17, 2008
He credits a PSA test with helping to save his life ... "Trouble passing urine, painful ejaculation and nagging pain in the back, hips or pelvis are among the symptoms of prostate cancer. Ayers exhibited none, making his PSA test even more critical, he said.Ayers welcomes individuals without transportation to the free screening event on June 21 to give him a call at his home at 803-245-5027. His church is also providing a bus to transport people to the Bamberg Job Corps Center.Now cancer free,... (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Biology reborn Jun 17, 2008
It is known as the PSA test because it measures the blood for prostate-specific antigen, a protein that rises with the level of the disease. In 1986, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly paid $400 million in cash and warrants to acquire Hybritech, creating a number of San Diego biotechnology millionaires. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Biotech breakthroughs Jun 15, 2008
PSA test for prostate cancer, Hybritech ... Panetta of Biocom said he would expand that list to include the first home-grown biotech product, the PSA test, to show how the region's science has benefited all mankind ... The PSA test was the first diagnostic tool that physicians could use along with a physical exam to detect one of the biggest cancer threats to men, he said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Rapid Prostate Cancer Test Does Not Ease Anxiety May 17, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The stress and anxiety associated with receiving results of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer is not relieved by using rapid PSA tests, but men still prefer to have their results quickly, results of a study indicate ... The team assigned 67 men to rapid PSA testing, facilitating discussion with the physician while in the clinic, and 121 to conventional testing with results delivered by telephone ... More than 91 percent of patients said they... (MEDLINEplus)
Genes Play Part in Prostate Cancer among Races May 17, 2008
Whites at higher risk than Hispanics, but genetics determines who gets it. Thursday, May 15, 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
Gentlemen, assume the position May 16, 2008
From Thursday's Globe and Mail. May 15, 2008 at 9:43 AM EDT. (Globe and Mail)
Cancer aid group gets little bigger May 4, 2008
He did, and had a PSA test that registered at six. That meant prostate cancer, not diabetes. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Bottom Line: Tests Every Man Should Have May 3, 2008
Get breaking news, daily headlines and more. POSTED: 4:27 pm EDT October 9, 2006UPDATED: 6:02 pm EDT October 9, 2006. (WNBC.com, NY)
Health and wellness fair set for April 26 Apr 18, 2008
Results from the cholesterol panel and PSA test will be mailed to participants. Appointments are not necessary. (Forest Republican, WI)
Health fair offers free, cheap tests Apr 15, 2008
Health screens include a comprehensive metabolic profile for 21, PSA test for prostate cancer at 15, thyroid test for 6, asthma screenings and blood pressure checks. No reservations are needed, but anyone interested in having blood drawn must fast - no food or liquid from midnight on. (Pratt Tribune, KS)
A cancer leaves few to lobby Apr 14, 2008
"We don't have a Pap smear, we don't have a colonoscopy, we don't have a PSA test for pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Anirban Maitra, a pancreatic cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "We badly, badly need a screening marker for this disease.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Prostate checks men follow Sam Apr 6, 2008
Prostate checks men follow Sam - National - theage. Prostate checks men follow Sam. (The Age)
More awareness needed to prevent prostate cancer Mar 16, 2008
The PSA test is a screening process in detecting prostate cancer early and should be encouraged by all doctors since most people don't see urologists periodically, Anil Bradoo, head of the Mumbai Urology Society, said. Since there are fewer urologists in the country, general practitioners should also encourage the test, he said. (Hindu)
New Urine Test ID's Prostate Cancer Mar 15, 2008
That means the PCA3 test can do things the current PSA test can't do. The PSA test detects prostate-specific antigen, a protein given off by all prostate cells ... If the PCA3 test is so good at detecting prostate cancer, will it replace PSA tests and prostate biopsies. (Yahoo News -- Prostate Cancer)
PSA Test Losing Diagnostic Value, Study Says Mar 15, 2008
"In men with an abnormal digital rectal examination, it [the PSA test] still is very predictive," said study author Dr. Douglas S. Scherr, clinical director of urological oncology at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City ... "It doesn't apply to men who haven't been screened. For those men, the PSA test might be more accurate." ... The PSA test has flaws, Thompson acknowledged. (MEDLINEplus)
Biopsy techniques have made PSA test less predictive Mar 10, 2008
PSA tests have been lauded as important diagnostic tools for prostate cancer, however much of the data used to make this conclusion were generated in the early to mid 1990s, when prostate biopsies were performed differently than they are today ... Douglas Scherr, MD, Michael Schwartz, MD, and colleagues at the New York Presbyterian Hospital of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, in New York City, set out to assess whether changes in prostate biopsy practices might have changed the... (EurekAlert!)
Men Need Internet Help to Get Prostate Cancer Info Feb 27, 2008
After viewing the traditional decision aid or the trajectory model, the men who opted not to have a PSA test were those who had expressed significantly less concern about prostate cancer at the study's outset, the researchers found. However, the men in the control group who chose not to have a PSA had expressed just as much concern about prostate cancer as those who did have the test. (MEDLINEplus)
'Enormous Progress' in Reducing Cancer Does Not Include Lung Cancer Feb 26, 2008
PSA testing for prostate cancer and CT scans for lung cancer are currently undergoing randomized controlled trials and the US government gives both screening tests the same "I" rating: insufficient evidence to recommend for or against. However, while mute on lung cancer screening, ACS strongly supports offering a PSA test to all men over 50 and urges that they be given information on prostate cancer screening "so they can make an informed decision." "Why shouldn't those at risk for lung cancer... (PR Newswire)
Must-have medicals| Feb 18, 2008
Blood for a PSA test should be taken early in the morning, before eating. Where. (iAfrica.com)
Can prostate cancer screening be risk stratified? Feb 16, 2008
A single PSA test taken at or before age 50 is a very strong predictor of advanced prostate cancer diagnosed up to 25 years later. This suggests the possibility of using an early PSA test to risk-stratify patients so that men at highest risk are the focus of the most intensive screening efforts. (BioMed Central)
Test Can Predict Advanced Prostate Cancer Feb 15, 2008
Previously, the teams research has shown that a single PSA test at age 50 or younger could predict the presence of prostate cancer in men up to 25 years in advance of diagnosis ... While this data does not have any immediate implications for general prostate cancer screening guidelines, Dr. Lilja adds, We have found that a single PSA test taken at or before age 50 is a very strong predictor of advanced prostate cancer diagnosed up to 25 years later ... This suggests the possibility of using an... (Newsmax)
Prostate Cancer Watch And Wait Suggested For Older Men Feb 14, 2008
Before screening techniques such as the PSA test (detects changes in the prostate specific antigen levels), men first became aware of having the disease when physical symptoms due to the enlarged prostate started to have effect ... Now with the PSA test, doctors are finding out much earlier, and the treatment options become broader, including wait and see, or "watchful waiting" as it has also been called. (Medical News Today)
Waiting To Treat Prostate May Not Raise Risk Feb 14, 2008
PSA Test May Lead To Overtreatment ... Older men with early-stage prostate cancer are not taking a big risk if they keep an eye on the disease instead of treating it right away, suggests the largest study to look at this issue since PSA tests became popular ... "It may persuade some middle-of-the-roaders that we are overtreating this disease," and that PSA testing may be amplifying the problem, he said. (Click2Houston, TX)
The Big Question: Are we on the brink of a breakthrough in the ... Feb 12, 2008
The next stage is a blood test for prostate specific antigen the PSA test which, if raised, may indicate the presence of cancer ... How reliable is the PSA test ... But research shows that seven out of 10 men with a high PSA test will not have cancer. (Independent)
Beating the oddsCan "gene screening" be used to spot prostate cancer? Feb 11, 2008
"I have three sons in their 40s who are considered to be at high risk and one has had a PSA test which came back negative. "I think he and the others should have regular testing. Taking part in this study has been very interesting and I'm glad to see it's produced such exciting results. (BBC News -- UK)
Vital: Gene Hope In The Battle Against Prostate Cancer Feb 11, 2008
Currently prostate cancer screening relies on the PSA test. However, the PSA test is notoriously inaccurate and frequently provides misleading results. (Glasgow Daily Record)
Relay for life to 'fight back' against cancer Feb 9, 2008
"It could be something like women getting their mammograms or men getting the PSA test," Griffin said. "It could also be something like a person who decides to call their representatives for a year to get them to support any legislation that could help find a cure for cancer. We want everyone to do something that can help fight the disease whether through preventative measures or anything to help us with cancer research.". (Clanton Advertiser, AL)
Prostate cancer patient touts compassion, quality care received at H. Filmore Mabry Cancer Center Feb 5, 2008
The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors offer the PSA test and DRE yearly, beginning at age 50, to men who do not have any major medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years. Men at high risk should begin testing at age 45. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Blood analysis screening under way Jan 30, 2008
It is also suggested that an elevated PSA test result be followed by an office visit with a medical provider. Free blood pressure checks A free service offered at the blood analysis screening will be blood pressure checks. (Harlan Tribune, IA)
The doctor will see you now! Jan 23, 2008
Guys, the doctor will see you now. By Scott LaFee UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Prostate screening: Some men say no Jan 18, 2008
Its an unusual stance in a country where PSA testing has become nearly universal since its introduction more than two decades ago ... For years, Kramer, 59, had advised his own doctor that he didnt want a PSA test. (MSNBC -- Health)
Portable Device Quickly Detects Early Alzheimer's Jan 17, 2008
It would be part of a regular preventative medicine exam much like a PSA test or EKG (electrocardiogram), serving as a cognitive impairment vital sign of sorts. The portable test runs patients through a battery of visual and auditory stimuli such as pictures and words that assess cognitive abilities relative to age, gauging reaction time and memory capabilities. (Science Daily)
Rudy: Hospital Visit Was Result Of 'Headache Worse Than I've Ever Had'... Dec 23, 2007
And that my PSA test has come back negligible. The whole group of things like that he'll address himself. (The Drudge Report)
Prostate problem: is it serious or benign? Nov 30, 2007
The physician will also order a PSA test. A high PSA level doesn't always mean you have cancer, but it does mean you need further diagnostic treatment. (Marco Island Sun-Times, FL)
African-American Men Face Disadvantages Versus Caucasian Men In Prostate Cancer Survival Nov 29, 2007
Most prostate cancer is diagnosed in response to a PSA test, and a high body mass index (BMI) often corresponds with lower blood PSA levels. "Diabetes and metabolic disturbances associated with insulin regulation are more common among African-Americans compared to Caucasians, and metabolic disorders associated with obesity and diabetes may lower PSA levels and may cause a delay in referring a patient for a biopsy," Fowke said. (Science Daily)
PSA test may be 'useless' for spotting cancer in obese men Nov 24, 2007
New research released this week provides additional evidence why the PSA test may be "essentially useless" for spotting cancer in men who are carrying around extra weight. The test measures blood levels of a protein - called prostate specific antigen - that is routinely pumped out by the prostate. (Globe and Mail)
Obesity May Affect Prostate Cancer Test Nov 21, 2007
(WebMD) Obese men may have prostate cancer despite relatively low values on a prostate cancer screening t 00004000 est called the PSA test, a new study suggests. The PSA test detects PSA - prostate-specific antigen - in the blood ... Based on the men's body mass index, and adjusting for differences in the men's clinical conditions and prostate pathology, the researchers used pre-operative PSA test values to calculate the actual amount of PSA in the men's blood. (CBS News)
Should UK Prostate Cancer Detection Age Be Lowered, In Line With ... Nov 18, 2007
The study involved 442 men aged 40-45 - they all agreed to PSA testing ... They were invited to additional testing, involving an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, another PSA test, and a digital rectal examination. (Medical News Today)
Should the UK lower the age for prostate cancer detection? Nov 17, 2007
Of 442 men (34%) who agreed to PSA testing, 54 (12%) had an elevated PSA result. These men were invited for further testing (an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, a repeat PSA test, and a digital rectal examination). (EurekAlert!)
Hundreds visit hospital health fair Nov 17, 2007
" Wayne Lambert Jr. was one of the participants who said he and his whole family come out each year for testing. After Memorial Hospital phlebotomist Bridget Mills finished drawing his blood for the wellness profile, Lambert said he highly recommends that other people take advantage of the hospital's community event, as well, since it not only saves money but can also help save lives. Godwin said the hospital laboratory did a total of 731 wellness profiles and 324 PSA tests, which was slightly... (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
Four Pinocchios for Recidivist Rudy Nov 8, 2007
" I know that I won't be subject to excessive radiation from "defensive medicine" tests that my doctor's lawyer ordered throughout my life (and the associated increased cancer risks). If I was particularly worried about prostate cancer and wanted regular PSA tests in the UK, I could always request them from my doctor. See As for the concern about the government telling people what doctors they see... don't insurance companies already do this? I know that I have a list of doctors that I can see,... (Washington Post)
Statement From Men's Health Network: U.S. Presidential Candidates Overlook Real Problem in U.K. & U.S. Health Policies Towards Men Nov 6, 2007
According to the U.K.'s NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, "All men should know they are having a PSA test and be informed of the implications prior to testing. Opportunistic PSA testing is not recommended." The United States, while providing free screenings for breast cancer for women through the Center for Disease Control, provides no such screening program for prostate cancer. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the following on it's website: "The U.S. Preventive... (PR Newswire)
Prostate cancer: Wait and watch - or not? Nov 2, 2007
According to Canadian Cancer Society figures, 22,300 men this year will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, a disease that is frequently diagnosed, largely due to the PSA test ... Aggressive treatment for a low-grade cancer is considered overkill, yet monitoring cancer with biopsies and PSA tests carries the risk of missing the window of curability ... Half of patients will be randomly selected for treatment, such as surgery or radiation, and the other half will undergo active surveillance, which... (Globe and Mail)
Prostate cancer screening is Saturday at BCHHC Nov 1, 2007
The 30 charge for the PSA test is covered by Medicare Part B.. One in six men will get prostate cancer, but if caught early, nearly 100 percent survive. (Beatrice Daily Sun, NE)
Blood screenings planned Oct 27, 2007
Men can also receive a PSA test (prostate cancer screening) for an additional 20. Participants should fast overnight before their appointment, although a small amount of water or black coffee the morning of the blood draw is fine. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
Prairie Flower: It's very important to be tested for cancer Oct 19, 2007
Besides the PSA test and digital exam, there are tests such as mammograms, Pap smears and human papillomavirus tests for women, and colon, skin and heart tests for everyone. We need to know what tests should be done for our age group. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Leading researchers to reveal comprehensive dos and don'ts for prostate cancer Oct 14, 2007
With more widespread testing for prostate cancer using the common PSA test, increasing numbers of new cases are being tracked. The resulting volume of patients, many of whom may have less virulent forms of prostate cancer, is creating a challenge for physicians determined to provide patients with the most appropriate advice which may not always include aggressive treatment. (EurekAlert!)
Marathon man completes 71st race Oct 8, 2007
wore bib No. 71 for the Steamtown Marathon on Sunday because it was the 71st marathon that the 31-year-old has completed. Even more remarkable is that 52 of those marathons came last year. (Scranton Times, PA)
A randomised controlled trial of the effects of a web-based PSA decision aid, Prosdex. Protocol Oct 5, 2007
The objective is to assess the effect of Prosdex on six specific outcomes: (i) knowledge of PSA and prostate cancer-related issues--the principal outcome of the study; (ii) attitudes to testing; (iii) decision conflict; (iv) anxiety; (v) intention to undergo PSA testing; (vi) uptake of PSA testing ... Men between the ages of 50 and 75, who have not previously had a PSA test, will be recruited from General Practitioners (GPs) in Wales, UK. The principal outcome, knowledge, and four other outcome... (BioMed Central)
Election vows boost health care and rural areas Sep 30, 2007
"So, this is a very dramatic expansion of the OHIP coverage for the PSA test.'' He said the cost of the PSA test currently runs around $45. Tory boosts rural support, defends school funding Smitherman took the opportunity to take a jab at the previous Progressive Conservative government for cutting health care services. "The Harris Tory government cut health care and caused wait times for cancer surgeries to rise dramatically. We are bringing them down," said Smitherman in the news release. In... (CTV.ca)
Men 50-plus to be covered for prostate tests Sep 30, 2007
Most people would not have the resource of an OHIP-funded PSA test for preventative purposes, he said in an interview. So, this is a very dramatic expansion of the OHIP coverage for the PSA test ... The annual cost of extending the PSA test to all Ontario men over 50 is estimated to be $30-million, which Mr. Smitherman said would come from general government revenues. (Globe and Mail -- National)
