Próstata

A new study indicates that regular blood testing to measure levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is more effective at detecting prostate cancer in men with a genetic predisposition to the disease. The research, led by Philipp Dahm of the University of Florida, adds to the growing data that while the PSA blood test detects cancer in its early stages, it does not lead to lowered mortality rates. The American Cancer Society this year changed its guidelines to reflect the growing uncertainty over testing. The primary concern with the PSA antigen test, which is now in its 20th year, is that it can not differentiate between low-risk tumours and aggressive lesions that are often fatal. Dahm and his team note that a single test at 60 may find the men most at risk, who could then have follow-up screenings every year to check for the first signs of cancer. Prostate cancer can be easily treated, if it is found in its early stages. It is the most common malignancy other than skin cancer to occur in U.S. men and is the second biggest cause of death from cancer among men. Most cases occur among men aged in their sixties.