A suggestion for my fellow gents here

[TwoTankAmin]

I just read a short article on the increasing number of prostate cancer cases in America.

I was very lucky I was diagnosed with this cancer when it was very early on. The initial screening test for this is very easy. It is a blood test for the level of PSAs in your system. If these are very high or if they were low but suddenly jump up, this is an early warning sign that you probably need to go the next step and may need to have a biopsy.

My problem was discovered when my PSA test showed a level of 11. They had me refrain from sex, caffine and alcohol for two weeks and retested and the result was 10. So I had the biopsy done. This procedure is not awful since you should be mildly anesthetized using a minimal dose as it is a very short procedure. So, you are not aware of anything. I had no aftereffects or pain from the procedure when I had it done.

I was then able to undergo a series of radiation treatments for over about 10 weeks one summer. Btw, testosterone is fuel for prostate cancer.

One has to wait between 3 and 5 months after the treatment before they can get a reliable PSA reading again. My first reading at 6 months was 0.06. I did not know it could be that low. Since then I have been consistently 0.10. They monitor for a new jump in PSA levels as an indication that the cancer may have returned. My treatments were done in the summer of 2021.

I hate to think what could have happened had my doctor not ordered my PSA test at the same time I was having an annual checkup. I think they now call this a wellness visit these days.

 

[connorlindeman]

What are the chances!
Just today my church had a local hospital bring their prostate screening van to our parking lot to offer free prostate blood tests.
There was a st Patrick day parade right in front of the church so lots of people were passing through.

 

[fishorama]

I've read if men live long enough, they can almost always get prostate cancer, eventually. The blood test can just be part of annual blood screening for other stuff, so not a big deal. Not even the "turn your head & cough" exam. 2tank was lucky to have his cancer found early & to be treated successfully in a relatively short time. Not fun I know, but so far so good!!

Sometimes in very older men "watchful waiting" is enough, prostate cancer can be very slow growing, but testing is key to knowledge! & keeping treatment options open.

My husband is screened every year, just in case. No family history, but it doesn't mean no risk. As the Nike slogan said, "Just do it!".

 

[Essjay]

My 74 year old husband had a bad scare earlier this year when he went to the toilet when he got up and his urine was bright red. It eased off during the day but was bright red again next morning. The second day was Monday; he saw his GP at 8.45 followed by a CT scan a week later, then a cystoscopy and MRI scan.
The diagnosis - an enlarged prostate but no sign of cancer. His PSA is above normal, and his prostate larger than normal but neither high enough yet to cause intervention. He needs to have regular PSA tests though he has yet to enquire how often.
The bleeding was caused by too much physical exercise, in his case probably sweeping up dead leaves with a worn out brush then carrying bags full of wet leaves at church.

 

[GaryE]

I have to get blood tests on a fairly regular basis, to track my diabetes (so far well under control). My doctor simply added the prostate blood test to the regular list, so that I'm screened every six months. For guys with family doctors, you should request this as part of whatever preventative medical routine you follow.