In this video Dr. Chodak explains that the reason for the recommendation is fundamentally that, according the best information currently available, the benefit of routine screening is very small (or non-existent) and is outweighed by the harms of such screening.
Dr. Chodak points out that a PSA blood test itself does not cause undue pain, discomfort or suffering but that an abnormal test result means that one or more prostate biopsies will be called for and such biopsies are not without side-effects.
If prostate cancer is actually diagnosed, the treatments also all have side-effects which can include sexual dysfunction, loss of bladder control and other complications.
The bottom line is that, if diagnosed, the chances of suffering treatment side-effects are much greater than the chances of being able to avoid suffering and/or death from prostate cancer.
Dr. Chodak refers to a recent study which showed that there was no difference in survival after 10 years in men whose prostate cancer was treated or left untreated.
The role of the doctor is thus seen by Dr. Chodak as being to provide the patient with 'the full story' and leaving the ultimate decision to screen or not to screen up to the individual. That decision will be in favour of proceeding with testing if your main concern is to absolutely and solely to minimize the chance of getting prostate cancer. If your concern is to maximize your quality of life and you feel that the chances of being harmed are outweighing the odds of benefitting, then you are better off without being screened.
Dr. Chodak advises that you should engage in dialogue with your doctor and discuss the pros and cons of testing for you in your own particular situation. Dr. Chodak believes that the decision should be yours - and only yours - and should be based on how much risk you are willing to take and whether or not you think it's worth it, and this will obviously vary from man to man.
For more from Dr. Chodak, please check out more videos and information at
www.prostatevideos.com
