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Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Michelle Thal M.Ed, PA-C
Abstract
In 2022, an estimated 268,490 patients1 were diagnosed with prostate cancer, though this value represents only a fraction of the patients who underwent a prostate cancer workup after an abnormal total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) blood test. This CME article will first summarize the flaws of using tPSA test as the primary tool for determination of prostate cancer risk. Next, it will describe the variables that comprise the new 4Kscore blood test, explaining why the test is better than a stand-alone PSA. Finally, the paper will describe how and when the 4Kscore should be used in the primary care setting as both a health screening tool and a way to avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies.
Recommended Citation
Oxford, Laura, "Modernizing Prostate Cancer Screening in Primary Care" (2024). Capstone Showcase. 3.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2024/pa/3
Modernizing Prostate Cancer Screening in Primary Care
In 2022, an estimated 268,490 patients1 were diagnosed with prostate cancer, though this value represents only a fraction of the patients who underwent a prostate cancer workup after an abnormal total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) blood test. This CME article will first summarize the flaws of using tPSA test as the primary tool for determination of prostate cancer risk. Next, it will describe the variables that comprise the new 4Kscore blood test, explaining why the test is better than a stand-alone PSA. Finally, the paper will describe how and when the 4Kscore should be used in the primary care setting as both a health screening tool and a way to avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies.