David Jobson <[log in to unmask]> writes
>The problem is that if the test is available.......
>Guidelines in Suffolk were published saying just the above,
>i.e. don't do PSA routinely on prastatic symptoms - yet the
>hospital did them on all so GPs followed suit.
Avon is contemplating not funding these tests, except within strict
criteria. Many of us are of the opinion that doing the test can
actually be harmful, when there is no good response to managing a raised
PSA. The benefits of radical prostatectomy for early, non-invasive
prostate Ca are not proven, with no significant benefits identified in
the first 15 years!
There is some evidence that survival rates may be improved after that
time. The operation itself is not without its side effects.
In the words of Groucho Marks... "You may not live longer, but it will
certainly seem longer!"
--
Jon Rogers Tel: 44 117 950 7100
Southmead Health Centre Fax: 44 117 944 5498
Bristol BS10 6DF UK e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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