NZMA supports screening recommendation
The New Zealand Medical Association supports the National Health Committee's recommendation that prostate cancer
screening not be introduced in New Zealand.
In a report to the Minister of Health today, the NHC found there is no conclusive evidence that screening for prostate
cancer reduces illness or death, or lengthens life.
NZMA Chairman Dr Tricia Briscoe said prostate cancer is a serious disease for men and, with much debate about this
issue, it is commendable and timely that the NHC has carried out a comprehensive review of the most up-top-date evidence
about screening.
"For a screening programme to be effective, the benefits must outweigh the potential harm," Dr Briscoe said. "While
individual men may report good results after being tested for prostate cancer, it is important that we go down the path
which will lead to the best outcomes for the majority of men.
"Most men who get prostate cancer will die with it, but not from it. In fact, many may never know they have prostate
cancer, and will have no symptoms,” Dr Briscoe said.
"In light of this, and because current tests have very high false positive and false negative results, and because
current treatments for prostate cancer have many unpleasant side-effects, at this stage a population screening programme
would have little benefit.”
"We commend the NHC for reviewing this issue, and we support examining this issue again in the near future when testing
may have improved," Dr Briscoe concluded.
The NZMA urges men who are experiencing symptoms to see their doctor.
ENDS