PSA test is still the best option for diagnosing prostate cancer
December 03, 2015
This is not the first time that the ACS has been sharply challenged. Claims that their views are based on "scientific evidence" were disputed as recently as late last year (and more recently, at the 2010 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium held last week).
ACS became embroiled in a firestorm of controversy last October by seeking to change its guidelines that women did not need an annual mammogram until age 50, instead of 40. ACS quickly backed off after an outcry from the public and health and government officials.
"The only difference between the PSA test and mammograms is there aren't millions of men who will stand up to the claims being peddled by Brawley and the American Cancer Society," Lockwood said.
Contrary to ACS claims, medical data suggest mammograms and PSA testing are effective. Based on data by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), mammography screening has led to a 15 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths. USPSTF also references an ongoing screening study where early detection (using the PSA test) has so far reduced prostate cancer deaths by 20 percent.
"This concerted agenda by ACS and Mr. Ablin, both in their timing and their message, purposely fails to disclose all of the facts about PSA testing. Mr. Ablin in particular should be pleased that his discovery of PSA has led to a 40 percent reduction in prostate cancer deaths."
Similarities between breast and prostate cancer data in the U.S. are striking. Each is the most frequently diagnosed noncutaneous cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for their respective gender. In 2009, new cases of each cancer were at about 194,000. One in six men is struck with prostate cancer annually; for breast cancer, it's one in eight women.
SOURCE ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer