8 April 2010
The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on new research which suggests that prostate cancer testing can cause unnecessary anxiety
The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on new research published today in the British Journal of Cancer, which suggests that prostate cancer testing may lead to unnecessary anxiety and distress in some men.
Dr Helen Rippon, Head of Research Management at The Prostate Cancer Charity, explains: “Interest in the usefulness of the PSA test as a screening tool has grown considerably over the past year. This new study measuring the emotional impact of testing for prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms and who go on to receive negative biopsy result is particularly timely.
“Although it is far from perfect, the PSA test is the cornerstone of prostate cancer diagnosis. As men become more aware of prostate cancer and interest in accessing the test continues to grow it is critical that we fully understand the impact that testing can have on all men - not just on those diagnosed with the disease.”
“We know that for some men with no symptoms of the disease, PSA testing can lead to the early identification of aggressive prostate cancers. However, we also know that the majority of men with a raised PSA level will not have a prostate tumour. Distinguishing between these men can only be achieved at present through taking a biopsy of the prostate gland – a procedure some men find to be an invasive and unpleasant experience.
“In one sense, the results of this study are reassuring. The researchers have shown that the majority of men in the study coped well emotionally with undergoing a PSA test and then a biopsy that showed no evidence of prostate cancer. However, one in five men taking part in the study reported high levels of distress around the time of biopsy which persisted even after they were told that the test had showed no evidence of cancer.
“It is vital that all men considering a PSA test are fully aware of its impact. We must move swiftly to a position of ‘universal informed choice’ where all men are made aware of their right to request a test and to be given clear information about its usefulness and limitations so they can decide whether having the test is right for them,” she added.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information contact: Vivienne Francis, Nikki Nagler or Claire Blackburn on 0208 222 7136/7670/7687. Out of hours contact: 0798 432 5001. Email: Vivienne.Francis@prostate-cancer.org.uk or Nicola.Nagler@prostate-cancer.org.uk or Claire.Blackburn@prostate-cancer.org.uk
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Every year in the UK 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.
African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.
The Prostate Cancer Charity is striving for a world where lives are no longer limited by prostate cancer. The Charity is fighting prostate cancer on every front - through research, support, information and campaigning.
If you have any queries about prostate cancer, call The Prostate Cancer Charity's confidential Helpline 0800 074 8383 which is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm or visit www.prostate-cancer.org.uk