Prostate Cancer: A Primary Care Perspective.
Julie Cunningham Primary Care Cancer Project Manager.
Delivering the NHS Cancer Plan Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. 1987- 18,300 men diagnosed, accounts for 4% of male deaths. Tends to affect older men, about 50% of 80 year olds will have some form of prostate cancer.
PSA testing PSA test cannot distinguish between the different types Treatment for prostate has significant side effects. A raised PSA is not always indicative of prostate cancer. Different PSA tests in use.
Prostate Cancer Screening Policy “ a good way to manage a cop out” What is the evidence? What is the extent of the problem? What is the level of awareness? Is it being used/ Is it working?
Headlines “Advocates for PSA testing campaign to silence critics”
BMJ 2002; 324:255 (2nd February)
Headlines “Screening for prostate cancer in the UK: seems to be creeping in by the back door”
BMJ 2001; 323: 763-764 (6th October)
The challenge The challenge for Primary Care is in identifying the patients.
What can be done? Practical solution
Discuss……...