How helpful are prostate cancer screenings?
A major U.S. study involving 75,000 men shows that prostate cancer screening tests don’t appear to reduce deaths from the disease among those with a limited life-expectancy. Results from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial show that six years of aggressive, annual screening for prostate cancer led to more diagnoses of prostate tumors but not to fewer deaths from the disease. The study’s authors emphasize that it’s too soon to make broad screening recommendations for all men based on the study’s initial findings. The ultimate aim of the study is to find better ways to detect and treat aggressive tumors, so that men can avoid unnecessary treatments. Did You Know? A new study in the journal Neurobiology of Aging indicates that some aspects of people’s cognitive skills peak at about age 22, and then begin a slow decline starting around age 27. Health Tip: Exercise can help chronically ill The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Pro
