[Healthwise]

Prostate cancer, could it be overdiagnosed?

By Heather HAJEK

According to some doctors, it is possible that prostate cancer is being overdiagnosed. What does that really mean? Either you have cancer or you don't, right? True, but it is the stage at which the cancer is detected that counts here. The wisdom is that oftentimes when prostate cancer is diagnosed the tumor is so small and the cancer grows at such a slow pace that the odds are the individual would die of something else before they would die from prostate cancer.

Research is currently being conducted to determine at what point a prostate cancer diagnosis actually make a patient's life better. Dr. Len Lichtenfeld of the American Cancer Society says that the newly released study by researchers in the Netherlands and released by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, "reinforces the message that we are overdiagnosing prostate cancer." The newly released study found four out of the ten tumors that were found in patients involved in the study were so small and slow growing that the odds are, the tumors would have never caused a patient any problems. Dr. Lichtenfield says these estimates may even be low for the number of patients that are overdiagnosed. Some doctors are raising the questions as to when do you diagnose the cancer and when do you just let nature run its course.

The newly released study followed prostate cancer diagnosed in men ages 54 to 80, between 1985 and 2000, in the U.S. The study followed three different models developed by cancer centers to attempt at more accurately estimating over diagnosis of prostate cancer. The team, led by researchers at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands, found from 23 to 42 percent of patients, who were diagnosed through PSA tests, a blood test that measures prostate specific antigen where elevated levels may indicate problems, would have had their prostate cancer go undetected through their lifetime if it hadn't been for the PSA test.

The study tried to determine, at what point PSA tests are necessary and at what point bypassing the test would be better. Many doctors believe because of over diagnosis, many men undergo unnecessary tests or take medications that do not really extend their lives. The recently released study concluded many PSA test diagnose prostate cancer too often because though the patient may really have the cancer, the tumors are so small and slow-growing that old age or some other factor would lead to death before the prostate cancer.

While the American Cancer Society doesn't recommend routine testing for prostate cancer, they do recommend doctors offer testing to patients annually, beginning at age 50.

Even after the recent release of the new study, that has found prostate cancer is over diagnosed, doctors are scratching their heads still wondering when to recommend testing and when not to. Doctors are trying to determine if early detection is beneficial to patients, such as with early detection in breast, cervical and colorectal cancers, where early detection is almost crucial. There are currently studies being conducted to attempt determining when prostate cancer screenings should be offered, which tumors are the worrisome ones and those that are not. Right now, there does not seem to be a clear answer. Before being tested for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor in regards to the potential benefits and the risks. It could save you some unnecessary testing and worries.

- Health News

Dengue: What you should know

Dengue Fever/Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever

. Is caused by a virus.

How does it spread?

. This is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito Aedes Aegipti and Aedes Albopictus.

The dengue mosquito usually bites during day time specially in the morning and evening. Therefore you could be bitten while at work place, school or travelling.

General Symptoms of Dengue fever

. High Fever

. Headache

. Rash on the face, trunk and extremities.

. Muscle and joint pains.

. Nausea and vomiting.

The symptoms subside in about 3-4 days and the patients recover. Some may progress to Dengue Haemorrhagic Status.

Symptoms of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

. Symptoms similar to dengue fever.

. Haemorrhagic manifestations

Petechial rash

. Bleeding from nose

. Bleeding from gums

. Brown or black coloured vomitus or faeces

. Severe and continuous stomach pain

. Enlargement of liver.

If these symptoms appear take treatment immediately from a hospital.

Dengue shock syndrome

. The fever may suddenly go down in a patient with DHF. But if the patient still feels ill, it may be a sign of shock.

In a patient like this, symptoms of shock like

. Coldness of body

. Paleness of body

. Restlessness and drowsiness

. Acceleration of breathing and increase in pulse rate,

Indicates worsening of disease.

Be alert to a sudden drop in temperature in a child having fever. Refrain from giving Aspirin or drugs containing Salicylates to the child. Use only Paracetamol, in correct dosage. Don't exceed 4 times a day.

How to prevent Dengue Fever/DHF

Prevent Dengue fever by elimination of breeding places of mosquito transmitting the Dengue virus.

Such mosquitoes breed in containers where there is collection of clean water. These containers lie in and around homes, schools and work places.

. Crush and bury empty tins, coconut shells and earthenware during disposal.

. Add salt to the water in flower vases and ant traps. Change water frequently.

. Remove leaves and debris blocking drains and gutters.

. Fill with sand or pierce the tyres on roof-tops to prevent collection of water.

. Cover all utensils containing water.

. Change water frequently in containers kept for dogs, birds etc.

. Avoid throwing Sili Sili (Polythene) bags to the open environment. Keep the surrounding of your house clean.

If Dengue fever is suspected...

. Get the patients with fever to rest in bed. Refrain from sending children with fever to school.

. Give plenty of fluids to drink.

. Refrain from giving Aspirin or drugs containing Salycilates.

If DHF is suspected

. Take treatment immediately from a hospital.

/Qualified doctor

. Early treatment of DHF can prevent serious sequelae.

. Monitor the child/patients for dengue symptoms even after taking treatment.

(Courtesy: Ministry of Health / Health Education Bureau