**Prostate Cancer: Hoy Urges Screening Change**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 05, 2024

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Prostate Cancer: Hoy Urges Screening Change

The American Urological Association (AUA) has long recommended PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screening for prostate cancer, but now, a new recommendation from Dr. David Hoy, a renowned urologist and researcher, is urging a shift in approach.

Dr. Hoy, who has dedicated his career to understanding and treating prostate cancer, believes the current PSA screening guidelines are outdated and may be causing more harm than good. His new recommendation focuses on individualizing risk assessment and tailoring screening strategies accordingly.

The Problem with Blanket PSA Screening

The current AUA guidelines recommend PSA screening for all men over the age of 55, and earlier for men with a higher risk of prostate cancer based on family history or ethnicity. However, Dr. Hoy argues that this approach is flawed for several reasons:

• Overdiagnosis: PSA screening often detects slow-growing, non-aggressive tumors that might never have caused symptoms or required treatment. This leads to unnecessary biopsies, anxiety, and potentially aggressive treatments that can have severe side effects.
• Overtreatment: Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer based on PSA screening are treated with surgery or radiation therapy even though their cancer may never have progressed to a life-threatening stage. This can lead to complications like erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.
• Limited Effectiveness: PSA screening is not highly accurate, and it often leads to false positives, resulting in unnecessary investigations and anxiety.

A Personalized Approach to Prostate Cancer Screening

Dr. Hoy's recommendation emphasizes a more personalized approach to prostate cancer screening, taking into account each individual's risk factors and preferences. He suggests a multi-faceted approach that includes:

• Risk Assessment: A thorough assessment of individual risk factors, including age, family history, ethnicity, and personal medical history, should be conducted to identify men who are at higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
• Shared Decision-Making: Open communication and shared decision-making between doctors and patients are crucial. This allows patients to understand their individual risk and make informed decisions about whether or not to undergo screening.
• Selective Screening: Screening should be targeted to men with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, while men with a lower risk may be offered alternative monitoring strategies or deferred screening altogether.
• Active Surveillance: For men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer, active surveillance may be a viable option, which involves closely monitoring the disease without immediate treatment unless it progresses.

The Future of Prostate Cancer Screening

Dr. Hoy's recommendation marks a significant shift in the way prostate cancer screening is approached. By moving away from a blanket screening approach and embracing personalized strategies, doctors and patients can make more informed decisions about prostate cancer management.

This shift towards individualized care is crucial for ensuring that men receive appropriate screening and treatment based on their unique needs and risk factors, reducing the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

It is important to note that Dr. Hoy's recommendations are based on his extensive experience and research, but further studies are needed to validate these approaches and determine their long-term effectiveness.

If you have concerns about prostate cancer, it is essential to discuss them with your doctor. They can help you assess your individual risk, understand the benefits and risks of screening, and make informed decisions about your prostate health.