Prostate Cancer Screening and Treatment

Patient–Provider Communication About Prostate Cancer Screening and Treatment

This interesting article from the American Journal of Men’s Health which examined patient-specific factors associated with communications with their doctors about screening for prostate cancer with Prostate Specific Antigen.  The study showed that less than 10% of respondents had communication consistent with 4 known domains which have been recommended when discussing pros and cons of PSA screening:

1. Expert opinion
2. Accuracy
3. Side effects
4. Treatment need

The authors conclude that the shared decision making process, recommended by current best practice guidelines, is lacking, and they call for changes in physician practice.

Abstract Located HERE

 

Cancer, Patient Communication, Prostate, PSA, screening, urology