Screening: Do you follow guidelines or your gut?

The commentary below is meant to invoke meaningful discourse rather than incite an unpleasant argument. Less than a year ago, I heard Ben Stiller doling out kudos to his heroic doctor who diagnosed him with early-stage prostate cancer by using a simple, widespread screen. What was interesting was that Stiller was actually underage. What I mean is that the star was not of age to be screened, according to current prostate cancer screening guidelines (American Cancer Association’s guidelines). He was in his mid-forties. The guidelines are pretty straightforward. Men over the age of 50 can be screened after an informed consent discussion with their physician outlining risks and benefits. Men of African American descent or someone who has a first-degree relative with prostate cancer are to start at an earlier age (often 40 or 45). Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Conditions Oncology/Hematology Source Type: blogs