#Activesurveillance

Recent news of former US President Joseph Biden’s advanced prostate cancer has reignited global debate, including among Thai health professionals and men, about the value of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests for the early detection of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and an important concern worldwide, presents a unique challenge: distinguishing aggressive, potentially deadly tumors from slow-growing ones that may never pose harm. This ongoing health debate holds particular significance for Thai men, as prostate cancer incidence in Thailand has gradually risen—mirroring trends in the West as life expectancy increases and populations age. Understanding the evolving research on PSA testing can help Thai families make informed decisions about their own health.

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and a growing concern worldwide. In Thailand, as life expectancy rises and the population ages, prostate cancer incidence is also increasing. The key question for Thai families: how should PSA screening fit into health decisions in midlife and beyond?

PSA tests measure a protein produced by the prostate in the blood. High PSA can signal cancer, but it can also trigger unnecessary biopsies and treatments for cancers that may never cause harm. Autopsy studies in the United States show that many older men harbor indolent cancers. This highlights a broader challenge: balancing early detection with avoiding overtreatment that can cause impotence, urinary incontinence, and bowel issues. Experts emphasize that PSA testing alone is not enough to establish a clear screening strategy.

Recent renewed attention to prostate cancer and the PSA screening test, spurred by the diagnosis of former US President Joseph Biden, is once again igniting debate among health experts and patients worldwide — including in Thailand. Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and is a significant health concern for aging populations globally. The latest research and guidance show that the path forward for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is both complicated and deeply personal, underscoring an urgent need for Thai men and their healthcare practitioners to weigh the pros and cons of screening within the context of current science and local realities.

Recent discussions around prostate cancer and PSA screening have reignited debates among health professionals and patients worldwide, including in Thailand. Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and a growing concern for aging populations globally. New research emphasizes that PSA testing is complex and highly personal, underscoring the need for Thai men and clinicians to weigh benefits and risks within current science and local realities.