Prevalence of prostate cancer in aging males receiving PSA (prostate specific antigen) screening test (A campaign for celebration of Siriraj Established Day).
Prostate cancer is a potential men's health problem. The prevalence of prostate cancer continues to rise. Serum PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) can be used as a screening tool for detection of early prostate cancer However, a screening program for prostate cancer has not yet been accepted as cost-effective and long term survival benefits have not been shown. Nevertheless, some doctors request PSA testing in men who present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to detect prostate cancer


OBJECTIVE
To study for prevalence of prostate cancer in healthy men seeking medical check-up for prostate cancer.


METHODS
During the anniversary celebration of Siriraj established day (26/07/1888), a cohort study of Prevalence of prostate cancer in aging males using PSA Screening Test was carried out, 200 men over 45 years of age were invited to PSA testing and prostate glands check-up including, IPSS (international prostatic symptoms score), QOL (quality of life score) and DRE (digital rectal examination). Patients with elevated PSA were advised to undergo transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy of the prostate (TRUS-biopsy). Cancer detection rate was calculated according to symptoms described by patients, IPSS and age groups. Data was compared using Chi-Square test.


RESULTS
Median values from data of men's ages, IPSS, QOL and PSA were 63 years, 11, 2, and 1.23 ng/ml, respectively. 9 of 200 patients (4.5%) were found to have prostate adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Most of the cancer cases showed a localized lesion. Prostate cancer was found more common in patients who described themselves as having abnormal urination. There was no prostate cancer found in patients with a mild degree of LUTS (IPSS less than 8). Prostate cancer tended to be more common in men with high IPSS.


CONCLUSIONS
Screening prostate cancer by PSA testing detected the cancer in 4.5%. Most cancers were found on symptomatic patients. Patients with LUTS should be made aware of prostate cancer and PSA testing may be offered in such patients. However screening of prostate cancer in all men regardless of symptoms must wait for a larger study looking at long term survival benefit, cost-effectiveness of screening, and lastly, quality of life of patients on a screening program.
Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital 10700, Thailand. sisri@mahidol.ac.th
Sittiporn
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Srinualnad
Chamaiporn
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Charoenkraikamol
Srisuda
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Toraksa
Mongkol
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Uiprasertkul
Teerapon
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Amornvesukit
Tawatchai
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Taweemonkongsap
Suthipol
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Udompunturak
Chaiyong
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Nualyong
Anupan
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Tantiwong
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000473:pathology
D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen