Read the complete press release at --
www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/USPSTF-prostate-cancer-MHN-press-release-2018.pdf

Men's Health Network Applauds Latest Prostate Cancer Screening
Recommendation from the USPSTF, Wants Improved Rating for Older Men

Contact: Joshua Garner, 202-543-6461 ext 101, communications@menshealthnetwork.org

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- MHN commends the latest recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force that urges men to talk to their healthcare providers about when, or if, they need to be screened for prostate cancer using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. While the improved recommendation will have a positive impact for men under 70, MHN believes that men of all age groups should speak to their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screenings. The USPSTF final recommendations are a "C" rating for men aged 55-69 and a "D" rating for men age 70 and above.

"We believe that the new recommendation will encourage men to take a more active role in their health and wellness," said Ana Fadich, VP, MHN. "We are hopeful that the Task Force will be more inclusive of men age 70 and older in future recommendations."

Preventive screenings rated "A" or "B" by USPSTF are covered by the Affordable Care Act.

MHN is concerned about the "D" rating for men aged 70 and above. According to CDC (www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/lifesexraceageschart.pdf), a 70 year old man can expect to live another 14.5 years. And, a "D" rating endangers Medicare coverage. The Affordable Care Act gives the Secretary of HHS the authority to deny payment for any service that has a "D" rating from the USPSTF.

MHN suggests that all men see their healthcare provider for a baseline PSA test at age 40.

"If men are starting a conversation with their physicians, they may realize they are at greater risk for prostate cancer than they thought," said Vivek Sinha, MD, an MHN advisor specializing in Family Medicine.

Prostate cancer strikes 165,000 men each year resulting in 29,000 deaths.

Addressing men age 70 and above, Salvatore Giorgianni, PharmD, Senior Science Advisor to MHN stated, "The approach to screening men in later years should be more closely aligned with current life expectancy and adjusted every two to three years to reflect male life expectancy ."

With Men's Health Month (www.menshealthmonth.org) (June) fast approaching, now is a good time for men to discuss prostate cancer and other health screenings with their healthcare providers. MHN's screening recommendations for men and for women can be found at www.GetItChecked.com