Here is the latest challenge to PSA test usefulness for Prostate Cancer screening in the USA.  Malecare feels you should be empowered to participate in this national health policy issue.
 
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a new guideline, determining that the potential benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening in men ages 55 to 69 years suggest that the decision to be screened should be an individual one. 
 
For men age 70 years and older, the Task Force found that the potential benefits do not outweigh the harms, and these men should not be screened for prostate cancer.
 
This is a significant though inadequate change in the USPSTF’s guidelines on PSA testing.  However, we see this change as validation of the influence of the many hundreds of patient centered comments that Malecare men generated during the previous call for comments period.  Let’s not rest on our laurels. We have a good shot at improving these guidelines. Please take this moment to post your additional comments on the USPSTF website.  Your comments count!
Please click here to post your comments
 
The public comment period is open only from today, April 11 through May 8, 2017.  So, please post your comment, short or comprehensive, today.  Even if you are with some other organization, it will be helpful to reference Malecare in your comment, just so we can get a sense on how you feel about these new guidelines.  
 
In addition to posting the draft materials, the Task Force has developed answers to frequently asked questions, a fact sheet, and an infographic to help health care professionals, stakeholders, and the public understand and communicate about these draft recommendations. They are available at www.screeningforprostatecancer.org.