What do cancer standards call for?
Early detection! Early detection! Early detection!
Why?
Because we all know that early detection of cancer gives a better chance of a cure.
BUT apparently NOT the same standard for prostate cancer according to some health care professionals.
Why do they say that?
They believe that early detection of prostate cancer leads to over treatment.
BUT
Others say that overtreatment comes from over reaction to PSA levels in the so called ”grey area” and if patients were made more aware of the benefits of ”watchful waiting” (WW) ”active surveillance” (AS) much of the overtreatment would be eliminated.
Of course WW and AS require careful monitoring but surely that is a small price to pay for drastically reducing treatments that are both psychologically disturbing for patients and expensive.
