Prostate cancer screening guidance: Joe Biden's diagnosis raises questions
Share this @internewscast.com


(The Hill) — Former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis is highlighting the importance of screening for one of the most common types of cancer in older men.

Biden’s aggressive cancer diagnosis, announced Sunday evening, is causing many to question whether warning signs could have been caught earlier.

However, cancer screening is complicated, and experts say early detection and overtreatment must be balanced.

Prostate cancer most common cancer for men

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects men. In the U.S., about 13 out of every 100 men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about two to three men diagnosed with it will die, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found.

However, the American Cancer Society does not recommend routine testing for men at any age. The organization instead recommends that discussions on screening for early detection begin at age 40 for those with a high risk and 50 years for those with an average risk.

“Overall health status, and not age alone, is important when making decisions about screening,” the organization adds.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of experts that makes recommendations on services like screenings, states that men over 70 years old should not be screened for prostate cancer and that men aged 55 to 69 years should be screened based on the patient’s individual judgment after consulting with their physician.

African American men have increased risk of dying from cancer: Experts

The most common risk factors include age, genetics, family history, and race and ethnicity.

The USPSTF noted that African American men have an increased lifetime risk of developing or dying from the cancer, at 4.2%. Hispanic men face a 2.9% lifetime risk, white men face a 2.3% lifetime risk, and Asian and Pacific Islander men face a 2.1% lifetime risk.

The American Cancer Society noted that prostate cancer grows slowly, so screenings for men with no symptoms who have less than a 10-year life expectancy are not recommended because “they aren’t likely to benefit from it.”

If the individual chooses to go forward with screening, the American Cancer Society recommends they get the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, noting that a digital rectal exam (DRE) may also be done as part of screening.

In some cases, such as those with high initial PSA levels, the best option will be a prostate biopsy, the organization noted.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Virginia Poll: Spanberger Leads Earle-Sears by 10 Points in Governor’s Race

(WAVY) — The latest Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey conducted in September…

Thune claims discussions with Schumer are unlikely to achieve much

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

“University of Illinois Professor Reflects on Jane Goodall’s Legacy: ‘It’s Our Responsibility'”

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The renowned primatologist and conservation advocate Jane Goodall has…

What Early Polls Reveal About the Government Shutdown

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, a newsletter…

Springfield Policeman Receives Life Saving Award for Heroic Actions in Railroad Accident

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A Springfield Police Officer has been recognized for…

Florida Officer Convicted in 2024 for Girlfriend’s Fatal Shooting

OCALA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida deputy was found guilty on Thursday…

Duo Allegedly Involved in Trafficking Women at New York City Sex Den

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Trump and Vought to Discuss Planned Federal Budget Cuts and Layoffs During Possible Government Shutdown

President Trump announced he would meet with Office and Management Budget Director…

Why hasn’t D4vd faced any charges?

Investigators are set to examine more evidence after a teenager’s body was…

Authorities Report Four Injured in Synagogue Incident

Internet Explorer 11 isn’t supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

New Mexico Lawmakers Pass Bills to Support Rural Healthcare and Fund Food Assistance

SANTA FE, N.M. – In a swift response to President Donald Trump’s…

October Heatwave: Midwest on Track to Shatter Numerous Records with 90-Degree Temperatures

The fall vibes are on hold across much of the Midwest this…