PSA Test
Posted date : Nov 6, 2017.
Dear Bird Talk:
I have just received via snail mail the winter issue of CSA News. The article on Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA) is, in my opinion, probably the most important article I have seen in the News. Hopefully it will save many lives because I know that the PSA test was the main item that led to the discovery of my prostate cancer in 1994 and the subsequent surgical removal of the prostate. I had been going to a doctor and a urologist for three years before a PSA test was recommended, and that was only because I changed doctors. I urge all men to have a PSA test done and to also write the Ontario minister of health deploring the discrimination that is there when women can have a mammogram for free, while men must pay for the PSA test and both procedures are for the detection of cancer.
Sincerely,
H. Webster
London, On
(This is just part of a very thoughtful and excellent letter from Mr. Webster.)
Response:
Donald Stacy of Mississauga pointed out in a recent letter to us that if you already have prostate cancer, OHIP will pay for your PSA test. What government “expert” decided that paying for a PSA test to confirm the presence of prostate cancer only in men who already had prostate cancer was good health policy.
I recently asked my own doctor to request a PSA test while I was having some other tests done. He said, “You don’t need one, and it doesn’t mean anything anyway.” I believe this to be the general attitude in the medical community and it is very, very wrong, based on the many studies and articles I have read.
Good, cost-effective health policy means prevention and early detection of problems, for any illness or disease. The PSA test should not only be paid for by the governments it should be mandatory in my opinion. Please send a letter or e-mail to your health minister, your MP, your MPP, your premier and our prime minister. Help save someone’s life.
