UPDATE - Issue 37 - Summer 2009
New guidance for PSA tests
On 20 April the Prostate Cancer Patient Support Federation and Prostate UK released new guidance to be given to men to help them make informed choices when considering a PSA test that can help to detect prostate cancer.
The existing guidance was published in 2002 by the Department of Health. It was considered out of date before the results of the two major studies (see below) were published this spring. The Chief Medical Officer has alerted all GPs to the new research findings. Unfortunately he has also delayed issuing new guidance that was expected this spring instead referring back to the 2002 guidance despite its acknowledged flaws.
In the absence of revised guidance from the Department, we are concerned that out-of-date information will continue to be given to patients who request a PSA test. We believe it is important for GPs to be aware of the new evidence, of its implications for men who are deciding whether to have a PSA test to which they are entitled, and of the need for men to make up their own minds about it.
Any man over the age of 50 or 45 where there is a family history of prostate cancer is entitled to an annual PSA blood test that can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage before other symptoms become known. (See the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme web site for the new seven point guidance.)
Our Chief Executive, Amanda McLean,
with (left to right) Sandy Tyndale-Biscoe,
John Dwyer and Mike Lockett, all from the
Patients' Support Federation.