Online Program

290334
Should chiropractors screen for prostate cancer: Controversy, risk and benefits of prostate-specific antigen test


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 8:40 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Harrison T. Ndetan, MSc, MPH, DrPH, Research Institute, Parker University, Dallas, TX
Ronald Rupert, MS, DC, Research Institute, Parker University, Dallas, TX
Sejal Savani, SPH, University of North Texas Health Science Center,, Fort Worth
Deepthi Gandhiraj, MBBS, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center,, Fort Worth, TX
Objectives: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common neoplasm among males in the United States. Studies have established its relationship with back problems which is the most common musculoskeletal patient complaint seen by the chiropractic profession. In particular, screening for PC has emerged as a current and contentious issue in health care and public health. One of the most popular screening methods is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test whose validity in terms of risk and benefits remain controversial. Given the association of PC with and its metastasis to the lumbar spine creating low back pain symptoms, it is important for the chiropractic profession to be abreast of the best practices for its diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis (MA) on the benefit/risk of PSA-based screening as an update of existing literature. Method: Both electronic search of databases (PUBMED, MEDLINE, CANCERLIT, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PROSTATE Registrar) and hand search of specific bibliographies will be conducted for trials (RCTs) on PSA-based screening/no screening of PC including risk/benefits. Studies would be eligible if they are RCTs on this topic. Focus will be on studies conducted since the last published meta-analysis on this topic. All identified manuscript will undergo full text review and data from accepted studies will be summarized and analysis using SPSS. Conclusion: This study has the potential of confirming or refuting existing claims on the benefits/risk of PSA-based screening for PC as well as engaging the chiropractic profession in the ongoing debate on this issue.

Learning Areas:

Biostatistics, economics
Chronic disease management and prevention
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate (through meta-analysis) the risk and benefits of PSA-based screening Discuss the controversy, risk and benefits of prostate-specific antigen test

Keyword(s): Cancer Screening, Primary Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an associate Professor/Biostatistician, a public health researcher, and an APHA member. I have conducted, presented and published previous works on topics related to these ones (cancer or primary prevention).
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.