Prostate Cancer testing

[warney]

Sort of Warney. If a fella has a PSA of over 4 but less than X then a watching brief can be set up. Then it is the direction of travel of the PSA which becomes important. If, however, the PSA is significantly elevated then cancer will be strongly suspected and the scanning machine gets wheeled out.
So it isn’t really a false positive, as PSA levels are just a guide for next action: none, watching brief, scans.
You are right though, that because PSA is only a pointer to cancer on some occasions, using it as the basis of a screening programme would be pointless.
The saliva test you mention is interesting.

My PSA score was only 4.7 (which isn't much over the threshold for my age) but I had cancer and it was quite advanced. However, quite high PSAs can be caused by other things, such as an enlarged but cancer-free prostate. Even exercising can raise the PSA level so if a test is arranged you shouldn't do vigorous exercise or have sex for at least 24 hours before.
Personally, if offered "watchful waiting" I'd push for an MRI. If that then shows up minimal issues then waiting may be appropriate, especially for older men who may be more affected by the biopsy process.
But as I've been told numerous times on my PC journey, "everybody's different and what's best for one may not be best for another".

 

[John Squire]

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. I did have a relatively high PSA at 17 and difficulty in having a wee.

As I was under 70 (68) and fit at that time - oh happy days!, I had it removed by the excellent surgeon at Derriford.

I haven’t looked back since. Not having to find out where the nearest toilet is wherever I go is a great relief !

However, as some cancerous cells couldn’t be removed in the operation, I still have two PSA blood tests a year. In the 10 years that have passed, my PSA has risen from 0.02 to 0.12, which is pretty good really.

So, I’m 80 in 6 weeks time, and it’s onwards and upwards still !

 

[Paul Wood]

My PSA score was only 4.7 (which isn't much over the threshold for my age) but I had cancer and it was quite advanced. However, quite high PSAs can be caused by other things, such as an enlarged but cancer-free prostate. Even exercising can raise the PSA level so if a test is arranged you shouldn't do vigorous exercise or have sex for at least 24 hours before.
Personally, if offered "watchful waiting" I'd push for an MRI. If that then shows up minimal issues then waiting may be appropriate, especially for older men who may be more affected by the biopsy process.
But as I've been told numerous times on my PC journey, "everybody's different and what's best for one may not be best for another".

Mine was around 4.7 as well, but as it was steadily increasing and my father having caught it I got sent for a check, which resulted in my diagnosis. Happy to say I am on the road to recovery now. Hopefully you are also heading in the right direction.

 

[Mike Durtnall]

My dad had PC that spread to his spine an I've had tests since I was around 40 (including the "manual" test once )

I'm 65 in a few weeks, get the PSA done annually with the last one in the summer and still clear thankfully.

Don't hesitate to ask for it if PC (or any big C really) is in your family, even if you think you are too young!

 

[Guiri Green]

My dad had PC that spread to his spine an I've had tests since I was around 40 (including the "manual" test once )

I'm 65 in a few weeks, get the PSA done annually with the last one in the summer and still clear thankfully.

Don't hesitate to ask for it if PC (or any big C really) is in your family, even if you think you are too young!

That was part of my gripe with my GP not arranging one for me. My Father died after a long battle with cancer, initially he was treated for stomach ulcers but was eventually diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus, which was removed although he eventually died of lung cancer afew years later. He and all but one of his many siblings died from cancer, but my GP deemed my test unnecessary, even if it was just for my peace of mind.

It's sometimes easier to arrange things like that by yourself.

 

[Danny O'Hagan]

Is there a screening place up at Argyle where I can get tested? I wouldn't know how to go about it? Thought I'd better get checked now I'm of a certain age.

 

[Phil Mallett]

Is there a screening place up at Argyle where I can get tested? I wouldn't know how to go about it? Thought I'd better get checked now I'm of a certain age.

The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust hold PSA Testing sessions throughout the UK in partnership with other organisations. If you go to psatests.org.uk (sorry can't do links) this will open up their site. Click on the Events tab and this will bring up all sessions that have been arranged so far. If there is one that is near to you click on it and that will bring up all details and if that session is not full there will be a link in which you can book yourself a test.

I had a test with these people back in May and was emailed the results the following morning.

You may be asked to make a donation to the charity (£10) but this is not always the case.

Hope this is useful.

 

[Peter Ryan]

Is there a screening place up at Argyle where I can get tested? I wouldn't know how to go about it? Thought I'd better get checked now I'm of a certain age.

Your GP will be the first port of call.

 

[Graham Coules]

For those new to the subject this thread may have already shown it's not an exact science. Higher PSA does not mean PC and PC can be present with low PSA. It does however help indicate whether further tests are wise and an eye can be kept on the situation.
As another one on the watchlist (family history) with regular tests I am currently enlarged but not got to biopsy stage.
One thing I have noticed is that my symptoms are not consistant. Some days I notice flow changes or frequency of toilet visits are worse and some days not noticable. Night time can be a better indicator. Must be some medical reason when you are lying down and pressure on bladder or something.
So if you notice anything unusual but only occasional don't ignore it as one of those things - get it tested.
Take this away from this thread
1. If you have any qualms about "bothering" a burdened health service you will cause them more work if they don't catch it early.
2. Statistically prostate problems are quite common in us knackered older buggers but NOT automatically Cancer so don't jump to conclusions.
3. If you do get responses that require further tests see above - DON'T PANIC and try hard to take each step on facts alone. My consultant ran through the statistics of how many cases of enlarged prostate or higher PSA that turn into PC that requires action and it isn't very high.
4. As we have seen from this thread we are all in the same boat in various degrees so talk to others. I have been heartened by some responses.

 

[Alan Frost]

I did a paid for test yesterday, got result back this morning,Green. To go to my surgery for a blood test is a three week wait, let alone testing and result back with 24 hrs!

 

[PutneyPete]

The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust hold PSA Testing sessions throughout the UK in partnership with other organisations. If you go to psatests.org.uk (sorry can't do links) this will open up their site. Click on the Events tab and this will bring up all sessions that have been arranged so far. If there is one that is near to you click on it and that will bring up all details and if that session is not full there will be a link in which you can book yourself a test.

I had a test with these people back in May and was emailed the results the following morning.

You may be asked to make a donation to the charity (£10) but this is not always the case.

Hope this is useful.

www.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/

 

[Mr Gillingham]

Just waiting on the result from an MRI scan I had last week. It's the waiting that's the hard bit

 

[Daz]

Just waiting on the result from an MRI scan I had last week. It's the waiting that's the hard bit

Fingers crossed for you.

 

[Peter Ryan]

Just waiting on the result from an MRI scan I had last week. It's the waiting that's the hard bit

If you do need a chat with someone who has it, I would be very happy to natter with you Mr Gillingham. Good luck with the scan results.

 

[IJN]

Yeah good luck mate. Hope all is well.