Course Description
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer among men, following only skin cancer. Early detection significantly increases the likelihood of long-term survival. However, the widely used prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), a blood serum test used to detect prostate cancer, is the subject of much debate. Although the incidence of prostate cancer has decreased in recent years, it is unclear how much of this effect can be attributed to PSA screening. Experts disagree on the need for the test, in addition to its effectiveness. Elevated PSA levels may indicate changes in the prostate unrelated to malignancy, producing patient anxiety and prompting physicians to prescribe treatment for conditions that might never be life-threatening. Professional societies, such as the American Cancer Society and the American Urologic Association, have developed different guidelines regarding the role of PSA assessment in cancer screening. Refinements to the PSA test have been made over the past 2 decades, but more research is needed to develop a tumor marker that would better identify aggressive cancers.
Learning Objectives
After reading this article, participants should be able to:
Continuing Education Information
In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "CE Test" link to access the post-test.
Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must obtain a score of 75% to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.
Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive .5 ARRT Category A credit.
Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.
Approved by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board for MDCB credit.
This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities, such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same or any subsequent biennium.
Pamela C. Cartright, MAEd, RT(R)(T)
*Director, Radiation Therapy Program, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Address correspondence to: Pamela C. Cartright, MAEd, RT(R)(T), Director, Radiation Therapy Program, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, RMSB 436, 1705 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294. E-mail: pamcartr@uab.edu.
ABSTRACT
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer among men, following only skin cancer. Early detection significantly increases the likelihood of long-term survival. However, the widely used prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), a blood serum test used to detect prostate cancer, is the subject of much debate. Although the incidence of prostate cancer has decreased in recent years, it is unclear how much of this effect can be attributed to PSA screening. Experts disagree on the need for the test, in addition to its effectiveness. Elevated PSA levels may indicate changes in the prostate unrelated to malignancy, producing patient anxiety and prompting physicians to prescribe treatment for conditions that might never be life-threatening. Professional societies, such as the American Cancer Society and the American Urologic Association, have developed different guidelines regarding the role of PSA assessment in cancer screening. Refinements to the PSA test have been made over the past 2 decades, but more research is needed to develop a tumor marker that would better identify aggressive cancers.
* This sample course is for reference purposes only. It is not currently available for earning CE credits. To earn ARRT CE credits please subscribe to eRADIMAGING where you will see a complete listing of all active and eligible CE courses.
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