To assist British Columbia men in making informed decisions about testing for prostate cancer, the BC Cancer Agency has created a pamphlet – "The Pros and Cons of PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer" - outlining the risks and benefits of testing.

The blood test commonly used to detect the presence of prostate cancer – the prostate specific antigen test (PSA) – is a controversial screening tool. Before requesting the test, the BC Cancer Agency believes that men should be informed of the pros and cons. The pamphlet, developed in collaboration with the Vancouver Prostate Support and Awareness Group, offers information about prostate cancer, other prostate conditions, reasons to test, and reasons not to test.

"The BC Cancer Agency has a responsibility to help men make informed decisions about PSA testing," explains Dr. Tom Pickles, chair of the BC Cancer Agency's prostate tumour group. "Our mandate covers the full spectrum from prevention to treatment, and screening is part of this mandate."

As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (September 15 to 21), the BC Cancer Agency is distributing 50,000 of these decision-making guides to family physician offices across the province. The Agency recommends that men who are aged 50 to 70 discuss the issues with their family doctor and make their own decision whether to be tested or not.

"Any information we can get out about prostate cancer and the PSA test is going to be beneficial to men," says Len Gross, chair of the Vancouver Prostate Support and Awareness Group. "The content of the brochure would indicate to men that there's some good information about their prostate that is helpful. A lot of men are wondering about what taking the PSA test might mean, and this pamphlet addresses that question."

There are valid reasons for and against the decision to have a PSA test, explains Dr. Pickles. The usefulness of PSA as a detection tool for prostate cancer is a controversial subject – there is no clear agreement among health care experts that a PSA test offers a definitive answer about what a man should do.

 (Revised: 9 March 2005)

The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.

Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877-6272