Get yourself tested for Prostate Cancer

[Psyber]

I'm relieved that since my surgery in May 2010 my 3-monthly checks have all come back "PSA - undetecatable" meaning there are probably no stray Prostate cancer cells elsewhere in my body.
From today I go to 6-monthly checks until the end of 2015, then annually for life.

Meanwhile the federal government is running a propaganda campaign suggesting PSA testing is unreliable and perhaps should not be funded by Medicare, without clinical indications of need.
My Urologist's opinion of the Federal government is unprintable.

It reminds me of the rule in the UK's NHS that was extant in 2008 that you couldn't do a CT abdomen looking for bowel cancer until a plain X-ray showed something to warrant the extra expense.
By the time you reached the point where a plain X-ray showed anything it was usually too bloody late!

[Lightning McQueen]

My Dad got diagnosed with Prostate Cancer last August and had a Full Prostatectomy in November. Had recovered well from the operation but still had a PSA reading when checked just before Christmas, meaning there was still Cancer lingering. The surgeon did discover some cancer that had spread and removed what he could see during the initial operation. PSA has stayed at 0.26 (last test result was today) but the doctor discussed options of Radiotherapy and Hormone Treatment. He is getting a PSA test every three months. Still trying to get my head around the different options/scenarios/treatments etc. and what it all means.

My dad has treatment every 21 days, it knocks him around a fair bit and it's starting to really take it's toll, it's pretty distressing as he is not one to whinge or complain generally and has never been unemployed or not worked.
He's still going to work but he's not sure how long he can continue, he doesn't talk to us or even answer the phone for a few days after he has treatment, he doesn't want to burden us.

[valleys07]

Might be a silly question guys, but here goes.

Im 26 and have never had any prostate / testicular tests, but think its time i get it done, just to make sure everything is ok.

What is the procedure? i mean, do you just consult with your GP and they do the blood test or does your GP refer you to a specialist?

[mighty_tiger_79]

the blood test isnt as fullproof.

[Sojourner]

For all those that have commented on this post that are experienceing this yourself or in your own family, thanks for sharing it with us as difficult as that may have been.

Valleys, the key is to have a good GP that you see all the time, not just one you select at random when you feel ill or need a sick note for work, they do both a blood test and a physical check and not its not pleasant. Either is the treatment for it.

Everyone should be visiting their GP for a health check every 12 months or so, irrespective of your age. They ask a series of questions, do blood tests and so on. One thing that people often forget is that your GP can be invaluable if you are trying to lose weight and far better value than any commercial weight loss program.

Just suck up your pride and go in and ask about being tested is my advice to everyone reading this thread! It really is that important.

[valleys07]

Yeah ive been seeing the same GP for 20 + years and have been thinking i really should have a check up.

Thanks for the advice sojourner, much appreciated.

[Pseudo]

bump.

Went to the doctor today on an unrelated matter.

While I was there, I lay down on his examination table in a near foetal position, and let him take my virginity.

MOOOOOOOOON RIIIIIIIIIVERRRRRRRRR......

<serious>
Nothing to it. Last year the doc took some blood to test for PSA; that was easily more uncomfortable than a finger up the date.
</serious>

So don't be shame, be game!

[Booney]

bump.

Went to the doctor today on an unrelated matter.
While I was there, I lay down on his examination table in a near foetal position, and let him take my virginity.
MOOOOOOOOON RIIIIIIIIIVERRRRRRRRR......
<serious>
Nothing to it. Last year the doc took some blood to test for PSA; that was easily more uncomfortable than a finger up the date.
</serious>
So don't be shame, be game!

Yeah, all the good girls say that.

[am Bays]

bump.

Went to the doctor today on an unrelated matter.

While I was there, I lay down on his examination table in a near foetal position, and let him take my virginity.

MOOOOOOOOON RIIIIIIIIIVERRRRRRRRR......

<serious>
Nothing to it. Last year the doc took some blood to test for PSA; that was easily more uncomfortable than a finger up the date.
</serious>

So don't be shame, be game!

"You using the whole fist there Doc?"

[dedja]

You're only supposed to get it checked once this year so how come you've been back for a weekly checkup all year?

[Booney]

You're only supposed to get it checked once this year so how come you've been back for a weekly checkup all year?

Yeah, you'd think getting shafted every Saturday during football season would be enough?

[Magpiespower]

"Perhaps look for a small female Asian doctor."

[FattyLumpkin]

Make certain you have a GP who understands what an elevated & rising PSA means. Mine didn't. PSA from 2 to 4 to 7 to 9 to 11 before a Locum picked it up. RP 7 years ago. Subsequent blood tests all clear to 4.5 years, then a rising PSA. Radiotherapy stopped it for a bit. Been on ADT for past 2 years, but now that no longer working & had about 6 courses of radiation for bone metastases. Keep thinking if only doc had stepped in 1 year earlier things may be different. Also think - and the moral of this story - know what your upper limit is. 2.5 in men < 50 is high. I was too lazy to find out and went along with "its a little high" thinking it was like blood pressure.

So get yourself a good GP.

[Phantom Gossiper]

Are there any symptoms men could look for or is it only identified through blood tests and check ups?

Is it like breast cancer where women should check for lumps or anomolies etc?