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Getting tired of watching news regarding unnecessary treatment of prostate cancer

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Posted 9/1/2009 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Again, yesterday while watching the national news, a segment was aired about millions of men being treated unnecessary for prostate cancer. The media makes it sound as if treatment, such as surgery, radiation, etc, is not  necessary. Until there is a *reliable* way to tell which tumors become aggressive and can spread and which ones will not, all this prostate cancer coverage seems pointless, doesn't it??
Posted 9/1/2009 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
The media has seriously impacted prostate cancer treatment progress. Unfortunately not for the better. It seems the most quoted physician is Dr Brawley at the ACS and he is not a good ambassador for us affected with prostate cancer. I still have one question that no one has answered ~ What does the ACS do for cancer patients? They are the nations largest lobby and they have the most funding, but they have not succeeded at much more than TV appearances.

Clearly prostate cancer is over treated in a large number of cases. But I seriously doubt that more than 30% of those diagnosed are overtreated. And none of them knew if they had a dangerous cancer or not because we don't have that test yet.

I have met and served on a panel with "overtreatment" proponants like Gerry Chodak. He is a very intelligent and respectful guy. But I told him to look at my case and tell me I was over treated. What he basically said was that I was an exception. Well I have news for these guys. Out here in patient land, I am not alone.

If the media wants to report these opinions, they should also report that prostate cancer is the enemy not the treatment of it. That because it's an unpredictable cancer that it needs to be fought with education and research. It does not need to be swept under the rug. That since PSA testing the death rate has dropped dramatically. That those with the dangerous forms of the disease MUST be treated...

Tony
Posted 9/1/2009 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
Tony, until some magical test comes along that can clearly define "good" from bad PC, agressive from indolent in its earliest stage, then I say continue to "over test" and "overtreat". There is a thin line between the real issue here.

Just the fact, not opinion, that the death rate has dropped to what it is now from prostate cancer should tell even the most uninformed that something is working right, and going in the right direction.

David in SC
Posted 9/1/2009 4:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Guys:

There is some good news from the media and that is the coverage that John McEnroe is getting as an ambassador for prostate cancer awareness.  John has simplified his message into this:  Start getting PSA tests at age 40.  Shown below is a clip from his interview on the CBS Early Show.  As many of you know, he was on Larry King a week or so ago and I also saw him on a Fox show.

John is an outspoken guy and, hopefully, will drown out all of the foolishness of guys like Brawley.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/27/earlyshow/health/main5268918.shtml

Here is also a link to John's web site on PCa awareness:  http://www.prostatecancerwatch.com/index.html

Tudpock

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