Red Whale Primary Care Pod Why don’t we have a national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK?
Dec 20, 2024
This discussion dives into the complexities of diagnosing diabetes, including lesser-known types like LADA and MODY. It humorously contrasts PSA testing awareness among men while tackling the absence of a national prostate cancer screening program in the UK. Listeners gain insights into the importance of informed decision-making and new screening strategies. The hosts also share lighthearted anecdotes from primary care that highlight the challenges faced in practice and promote valuable resources for healthcare professionals.
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Wet Sofa Reveals Hidden Incontinence
- A trainee GP encountered a urine puddle on a sofa during a home visit but kept composure.
- This led to uncovering patient's incontinence and appropriate referral, a learning moment about checking seating first.
No National PSA Screening Yet
- The UK National Screening Committee does not recommend population-wide PSA screening due to accuracy issues and potential harms from overdiagnosis.
- PSA testing in asymptomatic men should involve thorough counselling about risks and benefits for informed decision-making.
Counsel Before PSA Testing
- Discuss additional risk factors such as family history and ethnicity with men before considering PSA testing.
- Use clinical discretion to decide on testing men under 50 who may be at higher risk.