HEALTHTask force adds opinion in prostate screening debateThe preventive services panel finds inconclusive evidence to recommend testing, but encourages doctors to discuss the risk-benefit with patients.By Susan J. Landers, amednews staff. Jan. 6, 2003. Washington -- A federal panel's recent determination that there is no evidence that either proves or disproves the benefits of routine screening of all men for prostate cancer may actually represent a step in favor of screening. Despite its negative ring, the Dec. 2 determination by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force brings their recommendations more in line with those of many major medical groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Family Physicians. For example, acknowledging that the evidence is not clear as to the benefit of screening, the AMA favors leaving the option up to physicians and their patients. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men older than 50 be offered the screening and that men at high risk of developing prostate cancer -- those who are African-American or who have a father or brother with the disease -- be screened beginning at age 45. In contrast, the task force had previously recommended against the use of screening, either by digital rectal examination or prostate-specific antigen testing. "The way we at the American Cancer Society feel is that they have somewhat softened their position," said Durado Brooks, MD, MPH, director of prostate and colorectal programs. Even though there are differences within the medical community on how strongly to promote the screenings, all agree that an important discussion must take place between physicians and patients concerning the benefits and risks of treatment for prostate cancer. [...]Full text of American Medical News content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2003 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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The doctors are in the house
The AMA's House of Delegates is holding its Interim Meeting Nov. 7-10 in Houston, addressing issues such as health system reform and physician payment. Meeting coverage - Slideshow Feature articlesHealth reform review The Massachusetts experience Litigation stress Being sued is personal as well as professional Comprehensive coverage
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