ASCO GU 2017: Informed decision making (IDM) for prostate cancer (PCa) screening in a high-risk population. - Session Highlights

Orlando, Florida USA (UroToday.com) Puneet Dhillon from Southfield Michigan addressed the important issue of informed decision making to a high risk population in his abstract presented at the 2017 Genitourinary Cancer Symposium. His team recognised the potential that health-education may reduce disparities. However, previously it has been difficult to provide non-biased, culturally sensitive education about screening to patients. His study aims to examine whether the American Cancer Society informed decision making guidelines setting can improve knowledge on prostatate cancer screening in high a high risk group.

An educational powerpoint highlighting components of the IDS was given to 116 patients along with a 15-question pre and post- test. It was a high risk group with over 90% being african american, 21% had a family history. The intervention increased the number of correct answers regarding screening. 82% pts favored the education process before screening and 75% of all pts found the information “very helpful” in decision-making.

The authors were able to conclude that education-based informed decision improved patient knowledge about prostate cancer and most preferred the education process. This is approach is an applicable and feasible and appears feasible. We commend their work easing the burdeen of the decision for screening off of the patient and the primary care physician.

Author: Puneet Dhillon

Written By: Michael J Metcalfe, MD, Fellow of Urologic Oncology Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX
Ashish M. Kamat, MD, MBBS, FACS, President, International Bladder Cancer Network Chair, Society of Immunotherapy for Cancer (SITC), BCTF, Director of Urologic Oncology Fellowship, Professor of Urology, Attending Surgeon, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX

at the 2017 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium - February 16 - 18, 2017 – Orlando, Florida USA