Hi Guys:
I have been reading this thread with interest and I must say I really appreciate Tony's passion on the subject. My thoughts are as follows:
1. I think Brawley is dead wrong. By not encouraging routine PSA exams he is doing a real disservice IMHO. As a counter point, here is a quote from a recent Health alert from Johns Hopkins, "Early detection is the KEY factor in treating any disease successfully. Regular prostate examinations and PSA tests are a must." I guess we all pick our experts, but I will chosse JH over Brawley any day.
2. I do not doubt that there is overtreatment of PCa. The answer to this problem is certainly NOT to put men's heads in the sand and not get diagnosed. The answer, again IMHO, is for men to become educated on their options and to make informed decisions. I totally agree with JohnT re bone and CT scans for low risk patients. They almost never show anything for a man with a PSA level under 20. So, as JT says, the money would be better spent doing more pertinent diagnostic tests to help men make better decisions.
3. I personally will continue to encourage friends, relatives and any occasional stranger that may ask to get routine PSA tests. I will also never contribute one cent to ACS as long as Brawley continues to take his current stand on PSA testing.
Tudpock