36 THE QUEENS COURIER • SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
P R O S TAT E C A N C E R
T O S C R E E N O R N O T
T O S C R E E N ?
A recent study from the American Cancer Society found more advanced
prostate cancer cases in men 50 and older between 2005 and 2016. The same
study, published in May, also found a decrease in early-stage cases.
Researchers believe that the increase is due
in part to the decreased use of the prostatespecific
antigen (PSA) test, which the Federal
Government has discouraged to varying degrees
since 2008. Dr. Errol Mallet, a urologist who
practices at Vantage Medical Group in Brooklyn
and Queens, finds the trend concerning and
agrees that shifting away from the PSA test has
contributed to the uptick.
“It’s concerning to me that we’ve seen an
increase in late-stage cases. I’ve always believed
that if we do a better job detecting prostate
cancer early, we can do a better job of treating
it. It’s clear that the federal guidelines against
PSA screening have prevented us from helping
patients with treatable cases,” said Dr. Mallet.
While federal guidelines caution against PSA
testing because it can lead to overdiagnosis and
overtreatment, doctors have begun to push back,
arguing that a proper use of PSA testing results
can help prevent fatalities from treatable forms
of prostate cancer.
“Yes, there is a risk of overtreatment and
overdiagnosis. But if we’re smart about the
results, the PSA test can give us valuable
information and help us begin necessary
treatments and save lives, especially in the
African American community where prostate
cancer is more prevalent” Mallet added.
The team at Vantage Medical Group hopes
that the ACS study encourages more men,
particularly those at an elevated risk, to discuss
prostate cancer screening with their doctors.
African-American men and those with a family
history of prostate cancer should consider
screening as early as age 40, and all others
should begin talking to their doctor at 45.
In February, Vantage co-sponsored a free
prostate cancer screening event in Flushing,
Throughout the year, they’ve aimed to raise
awareness about the importance of screening,
and the ACS study has only reinforced their
commitment to this mission.
“With three new locations this year, we now
have five offices in New York City. As a part of
this community, we feel like we owe it to people
to raise awareness about the importance of
screening, especially in light of studies like this
one. We’re trying to educate people about this
disease and make sure they’re getting clear
information,” Mallet added.
Men 45 or older should talk with their doctors
about prostate cancer screening, and those at
an increased risk should begin that conversation
when they turn 40. Vantage Medical Group offers
consultations, screening, and treatment, and
they’ve implemented new cleaning and social
distancing measures in light of t he COVID-19
crisis.
Those evaluating treatment and screening options
can call Vantage MD Group at 718-517-2900 or
212-886-2539 or visit vantagemdgroup.com.
Erroll Mallett, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Urology
Vantage Medical Group
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