A relatively new year, new guidelines, and new tools for prostate cancer screening and monitoring.
In recent months, the AUA updated its 2023 guidelines specifically for early detection of prostate cancer (https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/early-detection-of-prostate-cancer-guideline). Along with those guidelines, two other organizations have updated or developed additional tools that are beneficial to all men, regardless of where they are on the prostate cancer journey (or even those not yet on a journey).
Consider them collectively as an introduction to screening (NCCN), an AS-focused source (ASPI), and a comprehensive guide for early-stage prostate cancer.
I would not consider any of them as a standalone product for all the information a man might need. The NCCN guidelines are focused on screening and are relatively basic. ASPI’s product is focused on AS, but some may find the scope and scale of information a bit overwhelming without someone to advise and assist them. The appendix at the end of the pamphlet would be exceedingly useful for anyone beginning their prostate cancer journey. Finally, the AUA guidelines are broader and developed more for urologists.
Back in mid-2012, the US Preventative Services Task Force first made the following recommendation with an associated DGrade:
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)–based screening for prostate cancer.
At the time, prostate cancer advocates objected strongly, warning it would result in many more men diagnosed de novo metastatic, and ultimately more disease specific deaths.
Sadly, we have seen this manifested, especially with respect to younger men. AnCan clearly sees the trend along with a lack of support for the particular needs expressed by younger men living with advanced prostate cancer.
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2nd Thursday of each month at 8 pm Eastern in The Barniskis Room (222-583-973)
AnCan frequently recommends second opinions on prostate cancer and genitourinary (GU) pathology slides – whether it be from biopsy, surgery or another protocol. Our recommended providers are:
Predicting Radiation Side Effects – PROSTOX Webinar with interesting updates!
Last year, we presented a webinar on predicting Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatment side effects with PROSTOX before treatment begins. By analyzing your unique genetics, you can make smarter, more informed decisions to avoid side effects and safeguard your quality of life for years to come.
PROSTOX Standard (previously PROSTOX CFRT+) predicts late grade ≥2 toxicity from conventionally fractionated (CFRT) or moderately hypofractionated (MHFRT) radiation therapy for patients with localized prostate cancer. Together with PROSTOX Ultra, which is already available for patients considering stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), the PROSTOX portfolio now provides risk assessment across a broader range of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) types. We’ll discuss the updates and other patient concerns, such as insurance coverage and questions to bring to your doctors.
PCPEP – The Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program: Improve Your Quality of Life
PCPEP – learn how to employ the Science and Practice of an Anti‑Inflammatory Lifestyle – With Dr. Rob Rutledge
AnCan is all about survivorship – improving Quality of Life after diagnosis, with a focus on diet/nutrition, exercise, stress management, and more.
We now welcome PCPEP (Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program), a Canadian-based program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. https://pcpep.org to our AnCan family.
PCPEP’s goal is to optimize survivorship for prostate cancer patients and others. It does this through daily emails and videos focused on components that contribute to your QoL – exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, and the social connection that makes AnCan a big family.
Watch Co-founder Dr. Rob Rutledge, a GU radiation oncologist, explain the program.
The program is FREE and currently open to ALL men with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Although the presentation was made to Gents in early Active Surveillance, it is open to all levels.
