Prostate cancer

[Cassandra]

Best wishes to everyone on here who has/is battling this cancer.

I read so much contrary advice about the accuracy of tests and the number of false positives. I even asked at my GP for a test and was told I only need one if I have symptoms. I’m 65 with no symptoms other than getting up to the loo in the night but I’ve done that as long as I can remember. So what are the views. Should I just wait for symptoms or demand a test. If I do that what do the tests entail?

thanks for any advice.

I guess individual GP's have different approaches. My practice liked me to have a range of blood tests about every 18 months and these included a PSA check. It does appear that PSA levels can be raised for reasons other than cancer and is not always raised when cancer is present, so it is not perfect. But coupled with a rectal examination of the prostate it does seem to be the best preliminary indicator that something isn't right in that area and so to me it seems sensible to have a PSA test every 1-2 years once you become a man of a certain age.

 

[Saddleworth2]

I guess individual GP's have different approaches. My practice liked me to have a range of blood tests about every 18 months and these included a PSA check. It does appear that PSA levels can be raised for reasons other than cancer and is not always raised when cancer is present, so it is not perfect. But coupled with a rectal examination of the prostate it does seem to be the best preliminary indicator that something isn't right in that area and so to me it seems sensible to have a PSA test every 1-2 years once you become a man of a certain age.

Thanks everyone ( @A57 the snake , @ob @Dirty Harry ) for responses. I'm going to ask for the PSA test and take it from there. Just going through my GP's version of an MOT just now as my BP is a little high so will ask them to check as part of that process.

 

[SilverFox2]

I guess individual GP's have different approaches. My practice liked me to have a range of blood tests about every 18 months and these included a PSA check. It does appear that PSA levels can be raised for reasons other than cancer and is not always raised when cancer is present, so it is not perfect. But coupled with a rectal examination of the prostate it does seem to be the best preliminary indicator that something isn't right in that area and so to me it seems sensible to have a PSA test every 1-2 years once you become a man of a certain age.

Good points.
Not sure what constitutes a need for physical check in UK but they used to vary depending on your NHS area.
For example Manchester Royal in my time advised local check for me when psa over 5.0.
When actioning this a consultant told in W. Yorks hire told me they checked when it reached 7.0.
Luckily an early blood test in Spain has 3.0 as its limit.
Think they have all lowered psa maximum in UK but you never know what happens with the NHS being so overloaded.

 

[A57 the snake]

Thanks everyone ( @A57 the snake , @ob @Dirty Harry ) for responses. I'm going to ask for the PSA test and take it from there. Just going through my GP's version of an MOT just now as my BP is a little high so will ask them to check as part of that process.

No worries at all mate not that you’ll need it but best of luck .

 

[AlgarveBlu]

That’s sad pal, regarding your friend just share stories from people on here and the odds are in his favour hugely, time is the essence definitely I can’t reiterate enough to get checked . I took myself along for a check up and dodged the biggest bullet known to men. The brutal truth and cancer is brutal that being diagnosed at 52 Christie’s told me I’d probably had it for two years and without worrying anyone the level I had I wouldn’t of got to 56 . Don’t wait for symptoms I didn’t have any. I’m not in anyway trying to scare anyone on here reading this .
Get to 50 get checked.

Up the blues.

I'm one of those guys that adopts the mentality that if you don't get tested you can't get bad news which I know is stupid - was inspired by all your recent posts and background story and took the blood test yesterday as am 51 and results look ok at 0.66 so thanks for the pearls of wisdom and all the best for you in your situation and your walk.

However, I do think I would of blocked you if it had come back highly elevated ;-)

 

[A57 the snake]

I'm one of those guys that adopts the mentality that if you don't get tested you can't get bad news which I know is stupid - was inspired by all your recent posts and background story and took the blood test yesterday as am 51 and results look ok at 0.66 so thanks for the pearls of wisdom and all the best for you in your situation and your walk.

However, I do think I would of blocked you if it had come back highly elevated ;-)

Brilliant mate …

 

[its grim up north]

Thanks everyone ( @A57 the snake , @ob @Dirty Harry ) for responses. I'm going to ask for the PSA test and take it from there. Just going through my GP's version of an MOT just now as my BP is a little high so will ask them to check as part of that process.

When you go to the docs just lay it on a bit thick. Up 5 or 6 times a night, trouble starting to pee and basically drippling your pee out. Once you're in the system they monitor you regularly. My PSA has been as high as 14, back down last time to 8 and I dont have cancer, as opposed to my daughters father in law who had a reading of 5.7 and has full blown big C. So its an indication only. I've had two biopsies, both clear, but have BHP, now have regular bloodtests and scans. Can't praise Hope Hospital Urology enough. Good luck to you.

 

[moomba]

So finally after many months of appointments and Check ups I on Thursday got diagnosed with prostate cancer , this might sound a bit mad but I’m now finally relieved that it’s now done it’s taken a while to get this all sorted and I know I got back to the Jack grealish thread when I mentioned this . Unfortunately for someone of my age (53) on Wednesday it’s an aggressive form but I’m under stepping hill and Christie’s now so I’m in good hands. If anyone has any experience of this it’d be nice if it’s shared either on here or a pm. I’m ok even though I always had a bad feeling of the final diagnosis it’s a shock that the Gleeson score was quite aggressive I’ll fight this all the bloody way . I’m grateful I’ve got great family and friends around me , please don’t take this as a sympathy post more of any advice and experience in this is always welcome.
So there it is I’m type of bloke whose pretty open with things and this on here will help .
Finally please anyone of you who’s getting towards the age of 50 please, please have a mot at your doctors/GP . Do not ignore this prostate cancer IS the silent assassin.
Take care all you and up blues.

All the best, and know that you've got loads of supporters on here if you need a word or a favour, or a bit of positivity.

I'm around your age and will get myself checked out.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

Best wishes to everyone on here who has/is battling this cancer.

I read so much contrary advice about the accuracy of tests and the number of false positives. I even asked at my GP for a test and was told I only need one if I have symptoms. I’m 65 with no symptoms other than getting up to the loo in the night but I’ve done that as long as I can remember. So what are the views. Should I just wait for symptoms or demand a test. If I do that what do the tests entail?

thanks for any advice.

You are entitled to an annual blood test from your GP.
Insist they check for PSA.
Do not be fobbed of.

 

[kaz7]

If you are over fifty you are entitled to an mot at the drs , take it and get everything checked and discuss any concerns