Prostate cancer awareness

[COYBL25]

Good luck with your treatment , hopefully it’s done the trick.

The most frustrating thing for me is the lack of a proper test for Prostate Cancer . I donate monthly to Prostate Cancer UK, get and read their literature. There are valid reasons why GPs will be reluctant to do a PSA test , and Prostate Cancer UK have written detailed articles on why PSA screening is not happening . Basically the science says its not effective enough and overall an universally testing system would do more harm than good.

Its a strange one to get your head around. There are so many stories about PSA tests picking up cancer , and I’ve had these conversations with three GPs and all have explained their rational behind their thinking. If you are experiencing symptoms then you really need to have it checked out by your GP and if necessary a PSA test. I would guess that just about every man over 50 , certainly over 60 experiences some kind of peeing issue . Read up on PSA tests , discuss it with your GP and make up your own mind , but be wary of thinking this is some kind of great “ Go/ No go” test which will give you the answer you want. Education on this is really key for any man over 50.

I`ve phoned the GP`s twice, in the past five years, asking for the test. Each time, I was told, that unless there was any symptoms, they wouldn`t do the test.

I`ve had a mate die in his early forties with this and I saw first hand what he went through.

I`m very tempted to lie, next time I phone up.

 

[paultheblue]

Can I ask you, what your PSA level was when you were first detected? Hearing that 4+is a red flag.

16 the first time then 23

 

[Kev The Rat]

16 the first time then 23

thanks, well above normal - really glad to hear you've got on top of it now.

 

[paultheblue]

thanks, well above normal - really glad to hear you've got on top of it now.

Hopefully mate,thanks

 

[FrenchDarrenBent]

Can I ask you, what your PSA level was when you were first detected? Hearing that 4+is a red flag.

Depends on age.
4-10 means further examination (mri scan).
10+ Will get you priority for the scan.
No need for the dreaded finger check when your PSA is lower than 2

Good luck @Johnniepk and all the best
Getting checked early makes survival very likely.

 

[Johnniepk]

Can I ask you, what your PSA level was when you were first detected? Hearing that 4+is a

A raised PSA is a check light for further investigation.
A PSa if over 4 would indeed need checking out.
Mine was 7.99

 

[blueloon]

I`ve phoned the GP`s twice, in the past five years, asking for the test. Each time, I was told, that unless there was any symptoms, they wouldn`t do the test.

I`ve had a mate die in his early forties with this and I saw first hand what he went through.

I`m very tempted to lie, next time I phone up.

I believe that they are legally required if you insist.In my past I’ve had GPs explain things to me and to a certain extent reassure me/ talk me out of having a PSA test. About 2 months ago one of my potential symptoms changed, one of the points ( things changing) I’d been told to look out for. I phoned the surgery and was given an appointment 4 weeks later . Hmm. A few days later I did an online E Consult , hyped my symptoms a bit and was booked for a blood test , results of which would be discussed at my GP appointment. At the appointment I explained my concerns , he said the blood test were fine, INCLUDING A PSA test , said there was nothing significant , would I like a Prostate examination as well? I was fairly reassured but thought yeah let’s get that done as well. It was ok .

Overall result was I was much reassured. So yes , you can insist on a PSA , if you feel you need to , exaggerate your symptoms a wee bit and say things have changed recently. As in my earlier post though the PSA test is not 100 %accurate , it may pick up high levels as we’ve seen here, it may well create unwarranted concerns, equally you may find it reassuring.

 

[Johnniepk]

I`ve phoned the GP`s twice, in the past five years, asking for the test. Each time, I was told, that unless there was any symptoms, they wouldn`t do the test.

I`ve had a mate die in his early forties with this and I saw first hand what he went through.

I`m very tempted to lie, next time I phone up.

I hear this a lot. Its disgraceful.
My own son went to the GP, after my diagnosis, and got the same response.
He has since had a PSA test which was less than 1 and we now have a baseline to monitor.
The velocity in which it increases is also a marker for PCa

 

[FrenchDarrenBent]

I`ve phoned the GP`s twice, in the past five years, asking for the test. Each time, I was told, that unless there was any symptoms, they wouldn`t do the test.

I`ve had a mate die in his early forties with this and I saw first hand what he went through.

I`m very tempted to lie, next time I phone up.

Strange. Don't they do the PSA test standard in the lab?

There are certified self tests if you're really worried and you want to check.

 

[Johnniepk]

I was exactly the same, no real symptoms but was picked up on a routine blood test.
I also have completed my radiotherapy and now just have a six monthly hormone injection. As for worrying about the finger up the bum it's no big deal.The only thing that hasn't been pushed up my hoop in the last 12 months is David Attenborough.
You should all get checked if possible , it's better to know than worry you might have it.

I had brachytherapy followed by radiation x 15 days. All at the Clatterbridge centre. Truly amazing people and treatment. God bless the NHS.
Its true how an " exit only" port soon becomes an open door!

 

[blueloon]

I hear this a lot. Its disgraceful.
My own son went to the GP, after my diagnosis, and got the same response.
He has since had a PSA test which was less than 1 and we now have a baseline to monitor.
The velocity in which it increases is also a marker for PCa

That really is disgraceful when there’s a family history to warrant a PSA test . When I suggested to my GP once that if nothing else it would be a good baseline he dismissed this. This takes me back to a comment in my original post , we really are poorly served as men with decent detection methods for Prostate Cancer .

 

[carlos21]

A raised PSA is a check light for further investigation.
A PSa if over 4 would indeed need checking out.
Mine was 7.99

Good luck with the treatment buddy if you fancy a chat just let me know.

 

[Kev The Rat]

I`ve phoned the GP`s twice, in the past five years, asking for the test. Each time, I was told, that unless there was any symptoms, they wouldn`t do the test.

I`ve had a mate die in his early forties with this and I saw first hand what he went through.

I`m very tempted to lie, next time I phone up.

Did it metastasize to somewhere else? Im only asking as to die early 40s from prostate cancer is incredibly unlikely - cancer research's stats claim only 4 people in the UK in the 40-45 age group died from it between 2017-19.

 

[N.S.N.O.]

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Last March i joined that club.
I have had my treatment, and hopefully its done the trick. I will be routinely checked for life now.
I post this not to tell my story ( but happy to tell all!) but to raise the importance of getting your prostate checked out.

The posters you read, while having a wee, will tell you to watch out for the symptoms. Weak stream, peeing a lot , difficulty starting to pee, blood in urine or semen, ED etc
What they dont say is 80% of men diagnosed had no symptoms. I had no symptoms.
Mine was picked up in a random blood test. They test for PSA levels.
Prostate specific antigen. It is raised from normal levels when the prostate is in distress. Its not always cancer. It can be raised from other things, including having sex or riding a bike. ( avoid both at the same time)
If its raised the GP will do a DRE ( digital rectal exam). A finger up your bum. It doesn’t hurt , it’s a bit weird. I reckon the GP gets the worst of the deal. The GP may feel the gland is lumpy or hard , in which case you are off for a mri pronto. The scans will be viewed and if anything looks suspicious you will then have a biopsy. The biopsy will identify any cancer or not.
Followed then by any treatment required. With this disease you actually get a lot of treatment options and you get to choose.

Back to my reason for posting.
Basically, fellas, get your PSA checked. Any bloke over 50 can ask for one. Any bloke with a family history of prostate cancer can ask for one. GPs can be reluctant so you might have to push a bit. You can also pay to have a test.
If anyone wants a test but is getting nowhere with the GP and would not be in a position to pay, then let me know and I will take care of it.

One things is clear. Early diagnoses of this wretched disease makes treatment less brutal and with more curative intent.

I have learnt so much this past year. I honestly did not know what my prostate did this time last year!

Get checked out.
Please

Best of luck John, and thanks for posting your story.

What age are you?

 

[Littlesue]

So glad you completed treatment and on the mend always thought it was a bit unfair that men are not routinely tested like women are with breast and cervical cancer