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UK Screening

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User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 14:03

Prostate Cancer, should there be a screening programme? I think that there should, I had to request a PSA blood test, a simple procedure. I had turned 70 and was asked to attend for a routine blood test by my GP, because of my background as a Biomedical Scientist I asked for a PSA. Eventually the GP agreed and it was significantly elevated. I was subsequently diagnoses with Prostate Cancer and I am currently undergoing treatment. As far as I was aware I had no significant issues regarding potential Prostate issues, despite my medically associated background. There is a Breast Screening Programme which means that the patient has to attend a Clinic, with associated professionals and expensive equipment, which is very necessary and I fully support. However, compare that to a simple, quick, easy and inexpensive blood test! Any support or advice how to move this forward, much appreciated.

User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 14:03

Prostate Cancer, should there be a screening programme? I think that there should, I had to request a PSA blood test, a simple procedure. I had turned 70 and was asked to attend for a routine blood test by my GP, because of my background as a Biomedical Scientist I asked for a PSA. Eventually the GP agreed and it was significantly elevated. I was subsequently diagnoses with Prostate Cancer and I am currently undergoing treatment. As far as I was aware I had no significant issues regarding potential Prostate issues, despite my medically associated background. There is a Breast Screening Programme which means that the patient has to attend a Clinic, with associated professionals and expensive equipment, which is very necessary and I fully support. However, compare that to a simple, quick, easy and inexpensive blood test! Any support or advice how to move this forward, much appreciated.

User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 16:15

There is not a Government Programme. It is down to the individual GP Practice, which are of course their own Business. There is a move to say that this is best practice, but it is not universally undertaken and I had to ask my PSA to be done.

User
Posted 06 Oct 2024 at 21:30

As others have alluded to, there is no gold standard test or screening to detect prostate cancer. The merit of the PSA test continues to split opinion and therefore cannot be relied upon as a basis for mass screening. There is also the the danger of over treatment wrt tumours that are benign or that is slow growing and if left alone would not have let to mortality. 

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User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 15:35
User
Posted 04 Oct 2024 at 16:15

There is not a Government Programme. It is down to the individual GP Practice, which are of course their own Business. There is a move to say that this is best practice, but it is not universally undertaken and I had to ask my PSA to be done.

User
Posted 05 Oct 2024 at 10:36
The arguements against a screening programme are that it would lead to added load of already overstretched radiogaphers and other medical clinicions plus additional MRI Scanners and Linacs as many men have a raised PSA, not necessarily due to Postate Cancer or at a stage where treatment is required but would expect treatment with a raised PSA. This would lead to more men suffering unnecessary harms. This is not just the view taken in the UK but in many other countries.

Personally, I am pleased that I had an enlightened GP who suggested he added a PSA to blood tests when taking blood for something else. This meant my PCa was treated at an earlier stage with curative chance.

Barry
User
Posted 06 Oct 2024 at 21:30

As others have alluded to, there is no gold standard test or screening to detect prostate cancer. The merit of the PSA test continues to split opinion and therefore cannot be relied upon as a basis for mass screening. There is also the the danger of over treatment wrt tumours that are benign or that is slow growing and if left alone would not have let to mortality. 

 
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