Early screening benefits many men

The Aug. 5 article from the Washington Post in your paper regarding prostate cancer is what I would consider a great disservice to all men approaching the age of 50 or older, and particularly those with a family history of the disease. (“Stop prostate screening for elderly men, docs told.”)

That 16-member task force must have been made up of insurance company executives or cancer drug manufacturers’ representatives. They likely were not survivors because of early detection.

Cancer screening is very important, regardless of the cancer type, and a PSA test is a very simple blood test for prostate cancer and while admittedly, in itself it proves nothing conclusively, it is certainly an “indicator” of the potential need for some further testing. For men age 50 and older, knowing your PSA number and monitoring it can provide some important, life-altering information!

Early detection of cancer is very instrumental for “stacking the deck” for positive treatment. This is much better than the alternative.

Bob Banks