First: RalphV thanks for sticking with us; we have lost too many advocates lately--Tony, Casey, & Yoop to name a few. I have used excerpts from you relating to the history of screening/testing many times. We have a few members who were diagnosed by psa testing but don't believe that the subject should be discussed here since it doesn't apply to them. At risk of being banned from this forum may I call them "hypocrites"?
I guess basically I am asking what is the status of Prostate Cancer Screening with so many varied "guidelines"..As I discussed with you via email the VA has published their guidance statement (do not copy or reproduce) which basically requires a veteran to specifically request the psa test in the absence of any information provided; this also applies to men at "increased risk" such as those with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative, African American men. and potentially, men who may have been exposed to Agent Orange. Currently 8.9 million men utilize the VA for their health care and if the "Guidelines" are followed they will not receive a psa test until symptoms appear. My view is that it is morally repugnant to have a veteran diagnosed with advanced cancer when potentially a cure was possible with early diagnosis. Does anyone know if litigation was submitted in cases such as that? Perhaps the greatest harm is to do nothing!
I have submitted the "guidelines" to the Vietnam Veterans Association, Dr Catalona at Northwestern, and other places I deemed appropriate. If our president and his challenger (Sept 2012) can have psa tests why can't our veterans? Anyway, until a better test is developed the psa test should be utilized with other criteria. Maybe I need to get our President involved--lol.
Bill
