Search

Background: Ad-hoc testing for prostate cancer with the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test has increased since its introduction in 1989. PSA screening is generally not promoted, and patients have to pay for the cost of the test ($30) in some provinces. In the US, 75% of men over 50 years have had a PSA test, compared with 35% in Montreal. This study was carried out to find the current rate of PSA screening and factors associated with its use. Methods: Telephone survey of 801 individuals with more detailed questioning of men aged 45-75 years, Those with prostate cancer were excluded, and the remainder asked a series of 11 questions, as well as demographic information. The margin of error is + 6.6% with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Two-hundred and nineteen men aged 45-75 years were further questioned. The median age was 55 years. 80% had some post-secondary education and 82% had internet access. Overall 70% had heard of the PSA test, and 74% of these knew that it was a blood test for prostate cancer, with other responses generally indicating a suitable alternate description. Fifty percent of men had had at least one PSA test previously, and this did not vary according to geographic location, internet access, or income level. The median number of PSA tests in the last five years was two. More with a university education had been tested (58%) compared with 45% high school (p=ns). Eighty-two percent of respondents said that they would be willing to pay to have the test done if research showed that the result could affect their chance of being alive in ten years time, and this figure rose to 91% if it were also provided free. 14% had a relative with prostate cancer and 34% a close friend and these respondents were more likely to have been tested (64 vs 33%). Conclusions: The utilization of PSA testing in BC is 50%. Awareness and understanding of the test appears high. If ongoing trials of PSA screening show a survival benefit and the test is funded over 90% of men say they would undergo screening.

4644 Background: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a rising PSA after an initial response while on neo-adjuvant androgen ablation (NAAA) prior to external beam radiation therapy ...

8009 Background: Previously we reported on the benefits of providing audiotapes of primary adjuvant treatment consultations to women with newly diagnosed breast cancer (Hack et al; Proc ASCO 2001). The purpose of this multi-site, randomized controlled trial was to use similar methods to examine the efficacy of providing men with prostate cancer with an audiotape of their primary adjuvant treatment consultation. Methods: A total of 429 men and 15 oncologists from cancer centres in three Canadian cities participated. The men were block randomized to 1 of 4 consultation groups: 1. Standard Care Control Group - Consultation not audiotaped (n=113); 2. Patient not given audiotape (n=98); 3. Patient given audiotape (n=120); and 4. Patient offered choice of receiving the audiotape (n=94 accepted tape, n=4 declined tape). Patients completed the Decisional Role Preferences Scale (Degner) before and after the consultation, a measure of communication satisfaction post-consultation, and measures of decisional role, au...

For patients with recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, salvage radiotherapy is the only potentially curative treatment option. However, until recently there has been a paucity of data on the effectiveness of this approach. In light of recently published studies, the Genito-Urinary Radiation Oncologists of Canada (GUROC) met and crafted a consensus statement regarding the current place of salvage radiotherapy. GUROC also identified gaps in current knowledge and identified ongoing study protocols that will advance our knowledge in this area.This report summarizes the main conclusions of the meeting and the commentary provided during the consensus-building process, and outlines the consensus statement that was subsequently adopted.

Until the results of 3 randomized trials became known in 2005, the role of adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy following radical prostatectomy was poorly defined. After the publication of these trials, the Genito-Urinary Radiation Oncologists of Canada (GUROC) met and crafted a consensus statement regarding the current place of adjuvant radiation therapy. GUROC also identified gaps in current knowledge and strongly supports ongoing study protocols to further quantify the benefit of postoperative radiotherapy. This report summarizes the main trial findings and the commentary provided during the consensus-building process. It also outlines the subsequent consensus statement.