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Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
[Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), yet how much damage?]
Alain Braillon1, Catherine Hill, Gérard Dubois
1braillon.alain@gmail.com
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|February 17, 2012
Summary
Prostate cancer screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests lacks proven efficacy and carries significant harms. Despite recommendations against it, PSA screening remains popular, especially in France.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Public Health
- Medical Screening
Background:
- Prostate cancer screening has been widely promoted since the early 1990s.
- The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against PSA screening due to evidence that harms outweigh benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the continued promotion of prostate cancer screening in France.
- To examine the growing use of PSA assays despite lack of efficacy evidence.
Main Methods:
- Review of the current landscape of prostate cancer screening practices.
- Analysis of trends in PSA assay utilization.
- Consideration of the impact of home-use PSA tests.
Main Results:
- Over half of French doctors favor PSA screening.
- PSA assay use increased by 4.6% between 2009 and 2010.
- Home-use PSA tests are exacerbating the situation.
Conclusions:
- The promotion of prostate cancer screening in France is concerning due to lack of efficacy.
- The increasing use of PSA assays and home-use tests warrants attention.
- The role of French authorities in this public health issue is critical.
