The Role of General Practitioners in Prescribing Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing for Early Detection and Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia and its clinical manifestation as lower urinary tract symptoms are a major health problem for men over 50 years of age. AIM: This article aims to demonstrate that general practitioners are in a better position to use prostate-specific antigen testing for identifying men with lower urinary tract symptoms as well as those at risk of disease progression. METHODS: Thus, they can play a key role in the early detection and diagnosis, as well as in the treatment of men with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms who have no evidence of prostate cancer. RESULTS: The results of studies conducted worldwide show that general practitioners can provide treatment when the intervention of a specialist urologist is not necessary or, guided by their knowledge and clinical judgment, refers the patient to a urologist when the patient’s condition warrants it. In this regard, we suggest that primary care for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia should provide measures for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and formation of a healthy lifestyle in patients with this type of pathology. CONCLUSION: This type of medical care can and should be provided by the general practitioner in the primary care setting.