Frequent screening for prostate cancer found more tumors overall, but failed to cut the number of aggressive tumors detected according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. This study further fuels the controversy over the value of screening tests for this cancer and how frequently such tests should be performed.

The researchers write that yearly PSA testing may lead to prostate cancer diagnoses that may be "clinically insignificant." The American Cancer Society currently recommends doctors offer the PSA test or digital rectal exam, annually, to men starting at age 50. The goal is to catch the tumors early on when they are easiest to treat.

However, according to the lead author of this study, Monique Roobol, such frequent screening may also detect minor tumors that may pose no threat but end up receiving aggressive treatment.

Screening in Europe is generally less frequent than here in the U.S., roughly every four years at the institutions that took part in this study.

I remember going through the prostate cancer scare with my grandfather. Louis is 86 years young and a few years ago he had a high PSA score of 21. I took him to the doctors since I found out that the test's normal range was much lower. The physician recommended a prostate biopsy and gave us some information. My grandfather was 84 years old and he said about 70 percent of men his age will develop prostate cancer. He also said that with such a high PSA score he was almost sure it was prostate cancer. On a positive note, he did say that prostate cancer usually is a slow growing disease and in my grandfather's case he might be able to just take hormonal therapy to control the disease. ( I already had all this information printed out of course!)

We scheduled the biopsy and I picked Lou up the day of the procedure. The nurses had given him a valium to take before the biopsy. I made sure he took it on the way to the doctors office. After about 15 minutes I asked him if he felt anything from the drug. He replied that he felt nothing yet.

We enter the doctors office and he gets called back quickly. I was in the waiting room eating my bagel and reading a magazine when this other couple came in sat across from me. They smiled and the man said some pretty goofy things and was laughing. I realized that maybe HIS valium was working. My grandfather I guess needed a double dose.

My grandfather gets finished and after we walk out the door I tell him how much that guy was laughing in the waiting room. My grandfather replied (not even trying to be funny) "He isn't going to be laughing when he gets in there." Also, I have to mention that my grandfather told me exactly what they did to him, every detail. It did not seem fun and was painful for him.

Kim Garretson, a prostate cancer survivor, has created a media campaign to attract the attention of men who may not be knowledgeable about the prostate gland. Mansgland, an experiment in humor, wonders if making the prostate funny will get more men interested in their gland health, and is attempting to answer this question with a media campaign designed for men who currently may not be aware of the issues concerning prostate health. Garretson wants men to learn the symptoms of prostate cancer, and realize the importance of going to the doctor for a simple PSA test. Early detection is the key to greater odds in surviving prostate cancer. Garretson, founder of Mansgland, a non-profit organization, is counting on the campaign, and campaign materials available for men's health groups nationwide, to be a starting point of awareness and conversation for men about the importance of understanding prostate health and prostate cancer. According to Garretson, 90 percent of men have no idea what the function of the prostate is, and he is working to change that with the Mansgland campaign.