Testing that upsets men
Thursday April 8th, 2010
Men get surprisingly upset about undergoing testing for prostate cancer, researchers warned yesterday.
A new analysis says doctors should warn patients of the impact on their psychology of the testing process.
In particular men dislike the biopsy that has to be performed if they are found to have raised levels of PSA, the substance that warns of cancer, according to Professor Kavita Vedhara, of Bristol University, UK.
The problem is not just fear of cancer, said Professor Vedhara.
Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, he says that many men continue to feel upset even when told that a biopsy is benign and they do not have cancer.
About 30 per cent of biopsies will identify cancer.
Researchers studied some 330 men for the research.
Professor Vedhara said: "While it's crucial that men are aware of the difficulties they may face when deciding what to do with their results, it's also important they're aware that they may find the whole process stressful."
Martin Ledwick, a cancer information nurse with Cancer Research UK, explained: "For some men detecting prostate cancer early may be life-saving. However, the test will be abnormal for around one man in eight without cancer being detectable at that time.
"Further tests and biopsies are usually needed to rule out cancer for these men. This study shows just how important it is that men in their 50s and 60s can talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of having a PSA test and only have the test if they feel it is right for them."
Tags: Cancer | Men’s Health | UK News
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