Prostate Cancer Testing Resource Guide
Find out how a test for prostate cancer may lead to unneeded treatment.
March 11, 2009— -- New research is adding fuel to a debate in the medical community about who should be screened for prostate cancer. Results of a new study published in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggest that between 23 percent and 42 percent of prostate cancers identified by prostate-specific antigen testing may be so slow-growing that treatment is unneeded.
Malecare.com is a nonprofit group of experienced patients and doctors, many of whom are diagnosed with prostate cancer or testicular cancer, writing weekly updates on treatment choice strategies and how to live with the consequences of those choices. On the Web site, they suggest you make no decisions about treatment until you are completely comfortable with your situation.
Among other resources, the American Cancer Society offers a support group called the "Man-to-Man Program," which offers advice on coping with illness and the side effects of treatment.
On WatchWait.com, a Web site run by a medical journalist, the reasons why prostate cancer may not need to be treated are outlined. "Watchful waiting," or holding off on treatment in favor of monitoring the cancer's progress, is an alternative to undergoing treatment that may prove unnecessary for men with this slow-growing cancer.
US TOO! International is a nonprofit support group organization that offers treatment descriptions, an online newsletter, and a glossary of medical terms and information on where to find support in your community.