This issue of Our Voice approaches the crucial subject of PSA screening. First results from the two large clinical trials of PSA screening have recently weighed in, and Dr. Tom Pickles guides us through the essential points. When it comes to prostate cancer, nothing is simple: These two studies reported quite different results. The American study found that there was no advantage to PSA testing, while the European study indicated a 20% lower prostate cancer mortality risk in men in the screening group. As Dr. Pickles’ article explains, both studies may contain certain biases that led to their different conclusions. But one important point clearly emerges — to prevent one death from prostate cancer, a large number of men have to undergo screening, and many of these will receive treatment that they may not have needed.
The debate is far from over! These trials will certainly lead to much discussion in the medical community. Hopefully, they will also serve to heighten men’s awareness of the need to take charge of their overall health — an area where men have a lot of catching up to do, as Dr. Larry Goldenberg points out. The Urologic Sciences Department at the University of British Columbia is in the process of setting up a centre of excellence that will offer a global approach to men’s health. The aim is to implement a model that will serve as an example leading to the development of other similar, much-needed programs across Canada.
Once again emphasizing the quality of life theme, Dr. Fabio Cury discusses the repercussions of androgen suppression as part of men’s prostate cancer treatment. Understanding these side effects is the first step in reducing their impact and, where possible, preventing them.
We hope you find these and other articles in this issue interesting and informative!
