Why Aren't Better Prostate Cancer Tests Used in the USA?
Community Member
7 months agoThe PSA test has well known and much debated problems when indicating false negative and false positive test results. This leads to under and over diagnosis and treatment respectively. Yet its utility is greatest when given on a regular basis. Better tests exist ((EpiSwitch PSE, MPS2, Stockholm 3). Each documents greater predictive accuracy than the PSA. Stockholm 3 is widely used in Sweden and reportedly reduces unnecessary procedures and costs. These tests aren’t widely used in the USA, though they have been around a few years. Ask your doctor why, then report your findings here. I’ll share some thoughts after I see a few responses.
Accepted Answer
This raises important questions about healthcare access and the adoption of newer diagnostic tools. The gap between available technology and what's actually used in clinical practice often involves complex factors like insurance coverage, regulatory approval processes, and healthcare system implementation timelines. Sharing experiences from doctor conversations about testing options could help others in the community understand what's available and advocate for the most appropriate screening approach for their individual situations.
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Community Member
2 months agoThis raises important questions about healthcare access and the adoption of newer diagnostic tools. The gap between available technology and what's actually used in clinical practice often involves complex factors like insurance coverage, regulatory approval processes, and healthcare system implementation timelines. Sharing experiences from doctor conversations about testing options could help others in the community understand what's available and advocate for the most appropriate screening approach for their individual situations.
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