Prostate Cancer

[HiFi Kabin]

When did you last have your PSA test? If the answer is "ages ago" or "never" correct that error now.

3 years ago my PSA was 3.5 (ie fine) I have my annual review with my GP a couple of months ago and requested a PSA test as well, luckily the GP agreed. Its now 4.7. Test repeated, still 4.7. Saw the GP for the 'finger test' and its enlarged with a referral to the specialist.

I had a MRI scan on Sunday and a telephone consultation yesterday. Its enlarged with shadow areas and a score of 4 (1 being nothing and 5 being Cancer thats probably spreading)

I'm going to have a biopsy as soon as it can be arranged to see how to proceed next.

Now, none of these tests are particularly pleasant, but having Cancer would be far worse.

PSA.png (59.26 KiB) Viewed 709 times

If you are male and over 50 (which I suspect covers most of the members here) phone your GP NOW! Don't procrastinate, don't think about it DO IT

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 1 in 8 men will get it, and if you’re Black, your risk is double.

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

Theres a screening program for Cervical and Breast cancers, so why not Prostate cancer? Be proactive, no ones going to call you in so you do the calling.

[Taipan]

Sage advice.

[weeksy]

Gulp... good luck mate !

[gremlin]

As somebody who has had prostate surgery*, I thoroughly endorse every word of that. A finger up your chuffer and a blood test is a small price to pay for catching cancer early, or just being reassured.

*Not cancer-related, thankfully.

[MrLongbeard]

Theres a screening program for Cervical and Breast cancers, so why not Prostate cancer?

Because the test is not that accurate;

We found a high rate of false-positive results (46.6%), resulting in a positive predictive value of 12.7%. Patients also showed a low rate of false-negative results (3.7%) with a negative predictive value of 99.5%.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/P ... s-15-00261

I'm not knocking the advice to get tested and have follow up tests, but from a cost to the NHS point of view........

[HiFi Kabin]

True, but any indication that there MAY be a problem is better than doing nothing. After all, if I hadn't had the PSA test, I wouldn't have had "the finger" and I wouldn't have had the MRI

A high PSA reading isn't indicative of you having Prostate Cancer, but with no other symptoms its the best shot at catching it early.

Also both Cervical and Breast screenings give false positives. Should they be dropped? Obviously not.

[Yorick]

Every year i have the finger test and blood test.
Also full abdomen and bollox ultrasound scans.

[MrLongbeard]

Also both Cervical and Breast screenings give false positives. Should they be dropped? Obviously not.

Of course not, but their false positive rates are around half of those for the PSA test, lets hope that going forward the PSA test can be refined so it is viable to use in as a screening tool.

[Count Steer]

Also both Cervical and Breast screenings give false positives. Should they be dropped? Obviously not.

Hmm...my cervical smear histology/cytology expert, demurs on this. They may give false negatives - lots of variables in the taking of samples, the 'eyes on' down the microscope method of checking can certainly miss the tricky little malignant buggers and any automated scanning can too. False positives? Not really, unless there's a glitch in the system and then a second cell smear sample is taken or by colposcopy.

Breast cancer screening says 'lump' or 'no lump' detected. Repeat scans etc. Then it's down to biopsy samples which are (relatively!) easy to obtain and low risk.

PSA tests are, sadly, a tad rubbish - but they're what we've got. The biopsy process is not without risk, so there's a possibility of damaging a prostate that's just 'benignly' hyperplasic.

Finger test? 'Yeah, it's bigger than normal' but anyone with an enlarged prostate knows that already and gets regular reminders and gets familiar with the bog wall.

I'm all for effective screening programmes but the methods available for the prostate simply aren't adequate for mass purposes. Put the money into finding better methods and meanwhile campaign for chaps to use the services that are already there.

[Count Steer]

Oh, and one other suggestion. Once you've approached the GP service regarding prostate related issues, for crying out loud, is it beyond their systems to schedule annual follow-ups and call you in rather than rely on blokes to remember and then having to play the 'Make an Appointment Challenge' (bonus points for skipping rudimentary automated triage in the 'robo-doctors-receptionist' phase of the game).

[ogri]

I get sent a stick to shit on every year, all good so far!

[gremlin]

I get sent a stick to shit on every year, all good so far!

That's bowel.

Or skat play.

One of the two, anyway.

[gremlin]

I am still somewhat surprised at blokes' lack of understanding of their own physiology. I had a TURP procedure* a couple of years back. Questions/comments included:

What's a prostate?

I thought your bollocks made spunk....

Did they have to cut your arsehole open to do the op?

So what comes out of the end of your nob now? Air?


Ask 10 men what their prostate does and I guarantee half of them won't know.

*https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments ... tate-turp/

[Dodgy69]

When I last saw the nurse about 4 months ago for general over 50s type check, I asked about the psa test. She might aswel of said don't bother. They aren't accurate, false this false that, unnecessary worry. Yet, everyone who's had cause for concern always says get tested.

Both my brothers girlfriend's work in the health service, one a nurse and one summot else and they very much diss the test. I get the impression they don't want to do the tests and discourage testing and the lack of accuracy is why it isn't rolled out.

But good shout HiFi Kabin.

[Skub]

The NHS can't seem to cope with the sick,nevermind the worried well.

Hope everything works out for you @HiFi Kabin

[Horse]

Check your balls too. Testicular cancer kills, but can be sorted if caught early.

Chatting in the pub one evening, if about a dozen of us around the table only half checked regularly. And of those, two of us had been operated on (me: hydrocele*, other guy: cyst).

* I can honestly state I've had my genitals surgically reduced in size

[DefTrap]

Yeah, I have essentially (most of) that exact scenario. Elevated PSA (not massively high) score two tests in a row after half a dozen years being within the normal range. MRI booked for next month. Bah.

My GP is pretty good and reminds me when these test are due (because "annual test" seems to come round way more than annually).

[HiFi Kabin]

Biopsy booked for this Thursday @ 1pm.

Once you've approached the GP service regarding prostate related issues, for crying out loud, is it beyond their systems to schedule annual follow-ups

I totally agree, but as mere men we dont seem to matter.

[ZRX61]

I just had an MRI & am all clear...

However, I've had three biopsies done & the MOST IMPORTANT THING is DO NOT allow the gf/wife to perform an ops check for at least two days, preferably 4 or 5.
Not only does it sting a bit, but shooting a stream of raspberry ripple spooge is somewhat disturbing.

Also:
DO NOT ask to see the biopsy tool....

[ZRX61]

Biopsy booked for this Thursday @ 1pm.

Of three I've had, there was either some minor pain OR a lot of blood, but not both.