That is the question: At least when it comes to regularly screening men for prostate cancer, a disease that strikes one in six US men. Some critics of screenings argue that too many men are being diagnosed with less than life-threatening cancers that are being treated as if they are a mortal threat; overtreatment, in turn, may unnecessarily lead to some serious side effects.
But let's not lose sight in this debate that far too many men--some 27,000 in the US this year alone - will die from prostate cancer. That's why we agree with the American Urological Association, which recommends education, risk assessment and detection of prostate cancer be offered to men 40 years of age or older. It's true that not all medical bodies are this proactive when it comes to prostate cancer. Where most do agree, however, is that men should talk to their doctors about the appropriateness of prostate-cancer screening and that they have access to such screening.
GSK has an ongoing focus on men's health concerns, and we're proud to support a new prostate-cancer education collaboration of five major advocacy organizations. Because when it comes to cancer, the importance of continued research and education are beyond debate.
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