Spotlight on Urology
Spotlight on Urology takes a look at recent activities undertaken to advance urology around the world. This week, we provide an update on media coverage relevant to the new Prostate Cancer Guidelines and share a recent editorial written by Prem Rashid.
Media Update: Prostate Cancer Guidelines
The updated Guidelines for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer, which were released last week, generated significant national media interest. USANZ representatives have provided expert commentary on what the recommendations mean for patients and clinicians.
USANZ President Professor Damien Bolton spoke with numerous media outlets about the move towards a more individualised, risk-based approach to PSA testing. He also discussed the increased use of MRI before biopsy and how the updated guidance may support the earlier detection of clinically significant cancers while reducing unnecessary investigations and treatment.
Damien was interviewed by The Age for their article regarding the Guidelines revision, which included a patient case study. Read the article (log-in required).
On Friday 7 August, Damien was interviewed live by Angela Bishop for 10 News: Lunchtime. Watch the interview (commences 17.47, free log-in required).
On the same day, Damien spoke to Georgia Stynes for the ABC Canberra Drive program. Listen to the ABC Canberra interview (commences 2:21:26).
In addition, USANZ member Dr Peter Heathcote was interviewed by 7News to discuss the guidelines and their implications for men considering prostate cancer testing. Peter served as the Chair of the Guideline Expert Advisory Panel.
Read the 7News article and watch the associated TV interview.
Both Damien and Peter were cited in an ABC News article on this topic. Peter spoke about the shift to GPs discussing PSA testing as well as the extension of testing beyond 70 years and move from biopsy to MRI for elevated PSA levels. Damien acknowledged previous over-treating of low-grade, low-volume prostate cancers, whereas the new guidelines will lean towards individualised therapy.
Thank you to Damien and Peter for their time in speaking about this issue. This strong media engagement enabled USANZ to contribute specialist expertise to the national conversation and help Australians better understand the evolving approach to prostate cancer detection and care.
SIUJ Editorial
USANZ Member Prem Rashid recently published an editorial in SIU's journal, SIUJ, titled "The Ethical Dilemma of Childhood Male Circumcision".
Prem was invited to write this article in response to another article in SIUJ, which proposed public funding for childhood non-medically indicated circumcisions.
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