Assessment Tool/Diagnostic tool : PSA
Cancer of the prostate is the second most diagnosed pathologic condition in adult males only exceeded by the non-melanoma skin cancer (David and Leslie, 2021; Ilic et al., 2018). Early diagnosis and intervention is very effective as it provides healthcare providers the ability for early intervention. This is effective in preventing morbidity and rise in mortality in adult males. With limited clinical signs and symptoms prior to its diagnosis, prostate cancer remains to be a major risk among most adult males. David and Leslie (2021) identify that the majority of men with early prostate cancer do not show any symptoms; prostate-specific antigen or PSA is a key malignant process used to elevate serum markers as such provide early prostate cancer victims a chance for them to find healthcare and achieve a cure. With nearly $10 billion dollars spent in treating prostate cancer annually and has been increasing for the last 20 years (David and Leslie, 2020). As such, increased capacity for diagnosis will be advantageous for policy makers, and potential victims.
Adult Assessment Tools or Diagnostic Tests:
Assessment Tool/Diagnostic tool : PSA
Include the following:
A description of how the assessment tools or diagnostic tests you were assigned is used in healthcare.
What is its purpose?
How is it conducted?
What information does it gather?
What information does it gather?
Based on your research, evaluate the test or the tool’s validity and reliability, and explain any issues with sensitivity, reliability, and predictive values.
Include references in appropriate APA formatting.
Prostate Specific Antigen Testing: An Evaluation of its Role in Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is a commonly used screening tool for prostate cancer. As the second most common cancer in men, early detection of prostate cancer can improve health outcomes through timely treatment (David & Leslie, 2021). This paper will evaluate the role and effectiveness of PSA testing in prostate cancer screening.
PSA testing involves drawing a blood sample which is analyzed for levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Higher than normal PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but elevated levels can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis (Ilic et al., 2018). While an important screening tool, limitations exist. Not all prostate cancers produce elevated PSA, and elevated PSA does not guarantee cancer is present (David & Leslie, 2021).
Several studies have explored the impact of PSA screening. A meta-analysis by Ilic et al. (2018) found PSA screening may provide a small reduction in prostate cancer mortality, but the effect is modest. Additionally, PSA screening leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment due to its imperfect ability to distinguish cancer from non-cancerous conditions. Research shows PSA screening can detect cancer early in some men, but also incorrectly identifies cancer in many who would not have experienced harm without treatment (Ilic et al., 2018).
Factors like age, race, family history and the PSA level itself influence the predictive power of the test (David & Leslie, 2021). While useful for cancer risk assessment, PSA testing is not definitive and risks/benefits should be carefully weighed. Discussing screening with a physician allows for individualized consideration of personal health characteristics and values.
PSA testing serves as an important yet imperfect screening tool for prostate cancer. While it can facilitate early detection in some cases, limitations exist in both false positives and negatives. Screening outcomes and impact on mortality are modest. An informed discussion with a doctor is necessary to determine if and when screening is appropriate on an individual basis.
References:
David, M., & Leslie, S. (2021). Prostate Specific Antigen. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557495/
Ilic, D., Djulbegovic, M., Jung, J., Hwang, E., Zhou, Q., & Cleves, A. et al. (2018). Prostate cancer screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, ok3519. doi: 10.1136/bmj.ok3519
