Only One In Fifty

Here is an article in MSNBC on Prostate screening efficacy.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29745004/

If you read it, or if you have heard in the news lately, there is a circulating tale about screening. The story is that: the PSA blood test is of no benefit and may be a negative. DRE (digital rectal examination) is not a benefit, is embarrassing. Screening for Prostate cancer is not worth the cost, the embarrassment nor the harm.

Now a larger European study indicates a 20% improved survival. So the American studies release early to counter.

Read it for yourself and make-up your own mind. For my part, I am certain that I made the right choice. I am glad my doctor screened . I went to the doctor for my health. I didn't like having blood drawn. I didn't like getting poked in the bum. When the PSA was positive I was very apprehensive about the biopsy. I was thrilled the first time the biopsy was negative.

My doctor screened again and the PSA was elevated further. The DRE indicated that my prostate was smooth and still small. But the PSA warranted another visit to the urologist. We did another biopsy. It was positive.

I made the treatment choice. That is as it should be. My choice for surgery saved me from later treatment. The American proponents put forth the idea that my cancer may have been slow growing. They think I may not have needed to do anything. If I died at 73 I would only have suffered a short spell of symptoms. They may be okay with that; but I'm NOT.

My personal opinion is that the Insurance industry is behind the claim that screening does not save lives. For years it was touted that early detection made cures possible. Catch cancer before it metastasizes and before it gets out of hand, while it can be effectively treated.

Now they claim that is not true. That defies logic for me. I urge you to ask your doctor for screening. If they refuse then find a new doctor. I can assure you that having screened when I had no symptoms found cancer while still contained in the interior of my prostate. Removal of the prostate left me cancer free. Da Vinci robotic assisted surgery spared nerves and retained full function. I have no negative impact, save a small scar a bit over one inch below my umbilicus.

And when I see those advertisements on television for Flomax or Avodart, I know that I will NEVER have BPH or a need for those drugs. I won't be getting up multiple times per night to go. I won't be stopping my activities when out with friends to find a toilet. I don't see the negative.