Rockyroad, it would be unprofessional for me to enter into an argument with you over this subject. Obviously you and seagull173 represent the negative effects that PSA and prostate cancer treatment can have on men's lives. You make some very valid points. It is obvious that you have been mistreated by the very profession which you make your living through.
Please, however, do not generalize your experiences with those of all men. Please also do not assume that doctors prioritize monetary gain over the welfare of their patients or that our comments are self-serving. If you saw the ugly side of this disease as we do daily, I am certain that you would feel foolish for many of the things that you have said. Men do die from prostate cancer. We are not searching for the insignificant varieties of prostate cancer to treat but those aggressive forms that can be lethal if not treated.
As mentioned in our letter, not all forms of prostate cancer need to be treated. It is important that patients and their physician have a full understanding of all of the risks associated with prostate cancer screening and treatment. At the end of the day it is an individual decision on the part of the patient.
Local men will die if task force recommendations on prostate cancer screening are abided by
Rockyroad, it would be unprofessional for me to enter into an argument with you over this subject. Obviously you and seagull173 represent the negative effects that PSA and prostate cancer treatment can have on men's lives. You make some very valid points. It is obvious that you have been mistreated by the very profession which you make your living through.
Please, however, do not generalize your experiences with those of all men. Please also do not assume that doctors prioritize monetary gain over the welfare of their patients or that our comments are self-serving. If you saw the ugly side of this disease as we do daily, I am certain that you would feel foolish for many of the things that you have said. Men do die from prostate cancer. We are not searching for the insignificant varieties of prostate cancer to treat but those aggressive forms that can be lethal if not treated.
As mentioned in our letter, not all forms of prostate cancer need to be treated. It is important that patients and their physician have a full understanding of all of the risks associated with prostate cancer screening and treatment. At the end of the day it is an individual decision on the part of the patient.
Daniel Ricchiuti, M.D.
June 3, 2012 at 10:49 p.m. permalink suggest removal