The news that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was diagnosed with and treated for advanced prostate cancer in early December 2022, yet did not publicly disclose his condition until January, has brought much attention to the important issues around prostate cancer screening.
Secretary Austin's case seems to validate concerns that the failure of some physicians to follow current screening recommendations is resulting in dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment for some men. It has long been the policy recommendation – from both the American Cancer Society and the Medical Society of the State of New York – for doctors to recommend PSA testing to screen their patients for prostate cancer.
More recently, since May 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that, at a minimum, doctors engage men aged 55-69 in “shared decision-making” about the benefits of PSA testing. Some men – depending on their race or family history – should be screened at a younger age.
PSA testing is now routine, and doctors who fail to order (or at least discuss) the test with their patients have violated applicable standards of care (i.e., committed malpractice). As the Task Force has stated, “[m]any men with prostate cancer never experience symptoms and, without screening, would never know they have the disease.” The consequences of missing a prostate cancer diagnosis are simply too severe for physicians to ignore these recommendations.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men. And while some prostate cancers grow slowly and never cause issues, the only way to determine if it requires treatment is through screening. The PSA blood test is the best tool currently available to detect prostate cancer early. It is a quick, simple, and painless test that can be performed with a routine blood draw.
At the Porter Law Group, we frequently see cases where physicians fail to offer PSA tests, misinterpret PSA results, or fail to share PSA results with their patients, resulting in harmful delays in diagnosing prostate cancer, which can severely impact a man’s prognosis, treatment options, and survival. Patients should educate themselves on the latest guidelines and have an informed discussion with their providers about what's right for their individual health.
If you or someone you love has faced a situation with a late prostate cancer diagnosis or failure to screen on time, we invite you to contact our compassionate attorneys right for a free consultation. In the past, our relentless advocacy has helped clients secure substantial financial compensation and improved access to urgently needed treatment.
Don't assume there are no options or shoulder this burden alone. Call 833-888-LATE or e-mail us at info@porterlawteam.com today. Our record of past results speaks for itself - let us stand ready to help you and your family during this challenging time.
