Recently, the United States Preventive Task Force Committee USPTFC put out a proposal saying that the PSA test which is a test used by most doctors to detect prostate cancer is unreliable and essentially worthless. Since my cancer was caught early by means of this test. I strongly disagree as do many others who were saved by this test. The Committee argues that it may lead to biopsies, other tests, and what they call unnecessary surgery. This Committee is lead by Dr. Virginia Moyer, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and chief quality officer for medicine at Texas Children's Hospital. This same committee ruled in 2009 that pap smears were unnecessary for women as a means for detecting breast cancer. I'm sure many women would also disagree with this.
Although, the Task Force's recommendations are just that, most doctors use the recommendations as a means to decide what tests they give their patients. I think: "Follow The Money." I would guess in someway this is tied to insurance companies exclusion of tests or government to cut medicare costs.It is another form of Geriatracide, since many of us were diagnosed in our 60's.Since more publicity has come out about prostate cancer, this test is now detecting people in their 50's. I will agree that this test is not perfect, but for now, it is all we have. For someone, who has had a family history of prostate cancer or for African Americans, who make up half of the patients who die from this disease.
I find this recommendation unconscionable. I probably would not be writing this today had it not been for awareness and early detection. This recommendation is immoral, unjust, and needs to be opposed. Public opinion is allowed through tomorrow,Tuesday, October 11, before it becomes final. Please voice your opinions by contacting the committee or USTOO , an organization for prostate cancer survivors or their families. MALECARE is also launching a protest regarding this.
Thank you for reading this.
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