A collaboration between researchers from UNMC and the University of Memphis recently published an article in the American Journal of Men’s Health.
Dr. Chad LaGrange, Edward and Sally Malashock Chair of Urologic Screening at UNMC, says the study featured in the article focused on prostate cancer screening and treatment.
LaGrange says researchers reviewed 1,700 patient questionnaires across the country to find out if doctors were explaining the risks as well as the potential benefits of a prostate screening before doing them.
He says they also wanted to know if patients were informed about how prostate cancer is treated.
"Patients that were more likely to have this type of discussion were patients that had a regular physician and regular checkups, and patients with higher socioeconomic status, if they were married and overall if they were healthier."
LaGrange says one of the most important implications of the study is that men need to create a long-term relationship with their primary care physician.
He says results indicate that open discussion is more likely between patients and doctors who have a more established relationship.
More information is available at unmc.edu.