Nathan Roudy, Editor of PCRI Insights* writes in appreciation of the study results of Dr. Grace Lu-Yao. Dr. Lu-Yao concludes from her analysis of 215,521 men over the age of 65:
"Conclusion: Among men 65 or older, more intensive prostate cancer screening early in the PSA era and more intensive treatment particularly with radilcal prstatectomy over 15 years of follow-up were not associated with lower prostate cancer-specific mortality."
Dr. Lu-Yao pointed out that the conclusion may not apply to younger men.
A Westerville golf coach, Mr.Cecenzo, died in his young fifties of prostate cancer approximately ten years ago. The point was made at that time that most men die with prostate cancer than die because of it and "watchful waiting" was as effective as prostatectomy. Then, there were about 40,000 deaths a year reportedly due to prostate cancer. Most men don't welcome death. Watchful waiting, given equal effectiveness, seems to prove the better choice.
My associate, Greg Russell, at Defense Supply Center Columbus, always proclaimed that the best one can say about the government's moves as an employee is "Who Knows?" Applicable to prostate treatment? Who knows?
*PCRI is Prostate Cancer Research Institute.
Sam
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