A growing call for a national prostate cancer screening program has been met with a measured response from medical experts, who argue that the proposed PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test may not be the most effective tool. Dr. Martin Scurr, writing in a medical column, suggests that the Stockholm3 test offers a more comprehensive and accurate method for assessing prostate cancer risk.
The PSA test, while widely used, is known to produce a significant number of false positive and false negative results. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety for some men, while potentially missing others who have a genuine risk of developing the disease. Dr. Scurr highlights that the Stockholm3 test incorporates six different factors, including age, family history, specific protein markers, and genetic information. This multi-faceted approach provides a more detailed percentage risk score, enabling clinicians to make more informed decisions about whether further investigation, such as a scan, is warranted.
This more nuanced approach allows for the identification of patients who might otherwise be overlooked. For instance, men with a low PSA level but a high Stockholm3 risk rating could receive an urgent scan. Conversely, individuals with an elevated PSA but a lower risk score according to Stockholm3 could avoid a potentially harmful biopsy. This method aims to reduce overtreatment and improve the accuracy of early detection.
Currently, the Stockholm3 test is relatively expensive, costing approximately £300. However, Dr. Scurr expresses hope that its increasing popularity and wider adoption could lead to economies of scale, eventually making it the standard for prostate cancer screening. This shift could significantly improve the diagnostic pathway for men, ensuring that those most at risk receive timely and appropriate medical attention, while minimizing unnecessary procedures for those at lower risk.