Publications

Furthering the prostate cancer screening debate (prostate cancer specific mortality and associated risks).

By:
Contributors: Bryan Donnelly, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Dean Ruether, MD FRCSC, Michael Chetner, MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS, Peter Venner, MD, FRCPC
Can Urol Assoc J. 2011 Dec;5(6):416-21. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.11063.

Abstract

Screening for prostate cancer remains a contentious issue. As with other cancer screening programs, a key feature of the debate is verification of cancerspecific mortality reductions. Unfortunately the present evidence, two systematic reviews and six randomized controlled trials, have reported conflicting results. Furthermore, half of the studies are poor quality and the evidence is clouded by key weaknesses, including poor adherence to screening in the intervention arm or high rates of screening in the control arm. In high quality studies of prostate cancer screening (particularly prostatespecific antigen), in which actual compliance was anticipated in the study design, there is good evidence that prostate cancer mortality is reduced. The numbers needed to screen are at least as good as those of mammography for breast cancer and fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer. However, the risks associated with prostate cancer screening are considerable and must be weighed against the advantage of reduced cancerspecific mortality. Adverse events include 70% rate of false positives, important risks associated with prostate biopsy, and the serious consequences of prostate cancer treatment. The best evidence demonstrates prostate cancer screening will reduce prostate cancer mortality. It is time for the debate to move beyond this issue, and begin a well-informed discussion on the remaining complex issues associated with prostate cancer screening and appropriate management.

table

 PubMed

Download PDF

 

Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer 2018

APCaRI members participated in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation, again this year! The ride is a 2-day cycling adventure that covers 200 km along the majestic Rockies. Unfortunately,  the air was so smoky from fires that the air quality health index reached 10+.  The 1800 riders rode approximately 75 km, but had to stop due to potential negative health risks from the smoke.
Although the ride was shortened it was still an amazing experience for the APCaRI member-riders and the Cross Cancer riding team. Thank you again to the amazing team of volunteers that helped to organize, set-up and transport riders to Calgary!
Most importantly, over $8 M dollars was raised to support cutting-edge cancer research in Alberta! We are very thankful for the support we received, which will help us to beat prostate cancer.
If you didn’t get a chance to support one of our riders, please consider contributing to the team’s efforts at our DONATE page

- Unknown