My doc told me a couple weeks ago that not only does he now recommend against the PSA test, he has also stopped the “digital” test as well. He says that the meta-analysis (study of studies) has revealed no conclusive correlation between either test result and early detection of prostate cancer. He says that the tests often yield false positives which lead to unnecessary surgeries that actually cause more problems for the patient.
He was willing to administer the “digital” exam if I wanted, but I took a pass (this was a short pre-op physical for foot surgery).
It was a shock to hear his recommendations. I was skeptical and my initial reaction was the clinic is bowing to federal pressure to reduce costs. This article tends to support my suspicion.
Has anybody else on an HMO or PPO had their doc tell them this?
This is where having a free market again would be helpful. Even if the tests are not so good, people could choose them according to their own judgment. And in the meantime the medical science has an incentive to progress. Someone who comes up with a slightly better test can sell it for a higher price, etc.