Do low-risk prostate cancer patients fully understand potential side effects of surgery?

NEW PROSTATE CANCER INFOLINK:  Men with low-risk prostate cancer who choose surgery need to realise the possible after-effects – reduced urinary and erectile function, shorter penis, penis distortion – they might have to live with for up to 35 years afterwards. READ MORE>

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Further blow against case for screening all men for prostate cancer

NEW PROSTATE CANCER INFOLINK: NZ politicians currently trying to decide what to do about prostate cancer screening (the Health Selection Committee inquiry) should read the latest analysis of the big randomised European study into PSA testing.

It suggests population-based screening is not supportable. READ MORE> and HERE>

Mike Scott at this website notes:

…it is certainly a fair question for every man of 55-74 years of age and a PSA of less than 4.0 ng/ml whether he wants to have treatment for prostate cancer based on a 553 to 1 chance that treatment will actually affect his long-term survival, and given the well-known side effects of treatment.

We do believe that these data add emphasis to the value of expectant management as a method of caring for men with low-risk prostate cancer.

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Low-risk prostate cancer patients still get treatment

WEB MED: More than 75% of men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer undergo aggressive treatment — either complete removal of the prostate or radiation therapy, according to a new study.

That’s true, the researchers found, even in men with a low level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of under 4 nanograms per milliliter, one of the factors taken into account when treatment decisions are made. READ MORE>

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Active surveillance may not be wise choice for younger men with low risk prostate cancer

URO TODAY: Watchful waiting may not be a wise choice for younger men diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer, a new study suggests.

Our pathologic findings and risk of biochemical recurrence after open radical prostatectomy question the wisdom of active surveillance in men with low-risk disease who have “long” life expectancies. READ MORE>

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Three experts advise on options facing ‘low risk’ prostate cancer patients

URO TODAY: You’re a “low risk” prostate cancer patient – what treatment do you choose?

A panel of three doctors – expert in active surveillance, surgery and radio therapy – look at a 62-year-old with Gleason 6, 2/12 positive biopsy samples, small volume, PSA 0.09 and good sexual function. READ MORE>

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Active surveillance appropriate for low-risk prostate cancer, studies show

URO TODAY: Active surveillance protocols can be valuable when prostate cancer is managed well and treatment is recommended appropriately, according to two recent studies. READ MORE>

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Anxiety over untreated low-risk cancer pushes men to choose active therapy

URO TODAY: Men with low-risk prostate cancer who are candidates for active surveillance often choose definitive therapy due to anxiety over their untreated cancer. READ MORE>

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PROSTATE RESEARCH: Brachy, 3D-CRT good treatment choices for low-risk tumours

JUNE 3: URO TODAY:  In patients with low-risk prostate cancer, brachytherapy and 3D-CRT remain excellent treatment choices, regardless of the tumor volume as estimated by the PPBCs. Longer follow-up and the recruitment of men with a greater volume of disease (>50% PPBCs) are needed to confirm these preliminary findings. READ MORE> (you will need to register on this site)

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