Dr. Samadi: New Study on Prostate Cancer Is Alarming for Men

Prostate cancer affects approximately one in seven men, according to the American Cancer Society.

But a new study shows that there has been a significant drop in the number of new diagnoses. The author of the study suggests that a controversial recommendation from a government task force may be behind that decline.

Dr. David Samadi, Urologic Oncology Expert and Robotic Surgeon, shared his valuable perspective on this “alarming” study.

PSA test for prostate cancer – Is it effective?

Dr. Samadi explained that in 2011, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) began discouraging the use of prostate-specific antigen-based screenings for prostate cancer.

He said that resulted in less testing, which resulted in a reduction in detections of intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer.

Why should men get tested for prostate cancer?

“This is a huge mistake,” Dr. Samadi said. “This is a curable disease. It’s a silent killer. There are no symptoms. So, men out there, go out there and get tested and talk to your doctors about this. Don’t ignore this.”

Over the last years, PSA screenings have saved many lives and are very important. What follows after the PSA test is very critical. Not every PSA needs a biopsy and not every prostate cancer needs treatment. Over the last decade, PSA screening has reduced the number of prostate cancers that have spread to the bones. Just like mammograms and colonoscopies, PSA screening has been very effective.

Dr. David Samadi encourages men that are at risk of developing prostate cancer because of their family history to get tested as early as possible. There are low-risk and high-risk prostate cancers. High-risk prostate cancers need to be treated aggressively because they can put men’s lives at risk.

What is the conclusion? When you catch it early, the cure is very high and men can regain their quality of life. Once prostate cancer spreads to the bones, it is a nightmare and patients get to suffer a lot.

Prostate cancer is not a disease to be ignored. Talk to your doctor about prostate cancer screening and treatment!