Malecare sent questions to Albert Siu, MD, Chairperson of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force about plans to review their 2012 recommendation against the use of the PSA test for prostate cancer screening. We thought that this information would be important since the USPTF is currently soliciting public comments on the research design of their review of their current D rating of the PSA as a screening tool. Dr. Siu was quick to reply to us.
The following are is responses to our questions regarding how patient input might influence the recent call for comments regarding the USPSTF plan to review it’s 2012 recommendation against use of the PSA test for prostate cancer screening.
*1- Is the USPSTF starting from scratch or simply reviewing to either
confirm or revise the 2012 PSA screening recommendation?*
We strive to keep our recommendations current by updating them every 3 to 5
years. We released our last prostate cancer screening recommendation in May
2012. For each recommendation update, the Task Force conducts a full review
of the available evidence to determine the balance of benefits and harms.
The draft research plan is the first step in that process.
*2- What prompted the USPSTF to revisit the PSA screening recommendation?*
Updating recommendations every few years is a part of our usual process.
*2A- Did public opinion regarding the 2012 recommendation influe