PSA Testing Screens for Prostate Cancer but Medical Community Debates If Routine Screening Is Necessary
WHAT
The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test was developed to help detect prostate cancer in men, however, some in the medical community question whether routine screening leads to unnecessary anxiety and worry among patients. To bring expert insight into the controversy around PSA testing, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) will host an educational session at its annual meeting. Titled “PSA Testing – To Screen or Not to Screen?”, the session will include leading doctors in the fields of urology and pathology who will delve into both sides of the debate.
WHY
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men, and accounts for 11 percent of cancer-related deaths in men. The debate around PSA testing comes at a time when medical experts have started to question the importance of many routine screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, leading to uncertainty among patients.
WHO
The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. As diagnostic physicians, pathologists play a key role in screening for diseases including prostate cancer, and often help determine the best treatment options for patients.
The “PSA Testing – To Screen or Not to Screen?” session includes these experts:
William J. Catalona, MD (Evanston, Ill.), a pioneer in the development of PSA testing, will speak to the benefits of regular screening.
- Professor of Urology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Director, Clinical Prostate Cancer Program, Northwestern’s Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Medical director, Urological Research Foundation
Gerald Chodak, MD (Chicago, Ill.), will speak in support of the new prostate cancer screening guidelines released by the American Cancer Society, which do not support regular screening.
- Formerly with the Midwest Prostate and Urology Health Center
- Former professor and faculty member, department of Surgery/Urology, University of Chicago
D. Robert Dufour, MD, FCAP (Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, D.C.), will serve as moderator of the discussion.
In addition, prostate cancer survivor David Rice is available to share his personal story. The CAP also offers information for patients on prostate cancer on its website, MyBiopsy.org.
Interviews are available upon request.
WHEN
Sunday, September 26
8:00 AM – 9:15 AM (Central Time)
WHERE
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Media Room: Grand Suite 4, East Tower, Gold Level
CONTACT
Julie Monzo, College of American Pathologists
847-832-7538(office), 847-380-0793(cell), [email protected]
Marie Manning, Ogilvy PR
202-729-4106 (office), 703-965-27887 (cell), [email protected]
For more information about The Pathologists Meeting™, please visit www.cap.org/CAP10.
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