Table 1 Responses to question about persuading a patient to be screened who refuses the PSA test.±*
Would try to persuade patient to have the PSA test (n = 13) | Would not try to persuade patient to have the PSA test (n = 45) |
|---|---|
Belief in Early Detection | Patient Autonomy |
   "Because prostate cancer found early is curable." |    "The patient is the ultimate decision maker." |
   "How else could you be diagnosed and treated?" |    "The patient has the final say in his care." |
|  |    "Patient has the right to refuse after the discussion of the benefit and risk of PSA screening." |
Asymptomatic Presentation | Lack of Scientific Evidence |
   "Because prostate cancer could be asymptomatic." |    "No good evidence that screening prevents morbidity & mortality." |
   "I have a number of asymptomatic patients with increased PSA. Therefore, prostate cancer." |  |
Belief in Efficacy of the Test | Questionable Efficacy of Test |
   "Relatively low number false positives." |    "The test is not specific enough to recommend without reservation in low risk people." |
   "Personally I believe in the benefit." |    "Test has too many false positives." |
Part of Routine Care | Time Constraints |
   "Usually doing other lab work – one more tube if positive then he can consider further evaluation if desired." |    "Too time intensive." |
| Â | Concerns about Side Effects |
|  |    "The complications of biopsy and treatment might outweigh the benefit." |