Citation:
Screening for Testicular Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement. Annals of Internal Medicine April 5, 2011 Vol 154 p483-6.
Lin K and Sharangpani R. Screening for Testicular Cancer: An Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Annals of Internal Medicine September 21, 2010 Vol 153 396-9.
Summary:
Because of the low incidence and high cure rate of testicular cancer, the USPSTF recommends against routine screening, which includes self exams and clinical exams, in asymptomatic adolescent and adult men (Grade D Recommendation); the benefit would be minimal (if any) and the theoretical risks include the psychological effects of false-positives and harms from diagnostic procedures. Even though patients themselves discover most cases of testicular cancer, there is no evidence that teaching young men to do self-testicular exams would improve health outcomes. The USPSTF instead recommends that clinicians consider testicular cancer in the differential diagnosis when young men present with testicular signs and symptoms. They conclude that prompt assessment and better evaluation of testicular complaints are much more beneficial than widespread screening for early detection.
The American Academy of Family Physicians does not support routine screening, the American Cancer Society does not recommend testicular self-examination, and the American Academy of Pediatrics does not believe in screening for testicular cancer as part of preventive health care.
Commentary:
The USPSTF recommends against screening for testicular cancer in asymptomatic men ages 15-34 years. Instead, more effort should be devoted to prompt assessment and thorough evaluation of adolescent or adult men who present with testicular complaints.
By: Lien Le, MS3, UCSF Medical School
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment