PSA testing, what are your feelings about it?
Here in the https://prostatecancer.net community, there are many thoughts, feelings, and experiences about PSA testing.
This is a space to share about all things PSA testing.
PSA testing is basically a simple blood test and can easily be included as part of annual physical exam with or without the "dreaded" digital exam. I would tell any man to insist on a PSA test even if his MD says "you do not need one" because the test is not 100% accurate etc. While PSA testing is not a test for cancer it can offer some guidance for future action.
Additionally I suggest to always keep a written history of your psa tests. If you see an increase in numbers over a few tests it may be a good idea to connect with a urologist vs staying with a GP. I did that a few months ago and candidly that early warning paid off for me. Dennis (ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
The PSA test is what we have and to me it has proven itsself as it saved my life and I had no symptoms. The most important thing is that doctors or even the patient look at the trends in the PSA numbers and should start at around 45 with an annual physical. Doctors say your PSA normal for your age never looking at the previous tests. I have a friend in his 70's who's PSA was 0.9. A year later it was 1.4 and the following year it was 2.8. This prompted him to bring it to the attention to his doctor who then ordered a biopsy and it was positive. If my friend never looked at the trend, he would never know he had it. I'm a 21 year survivor and still fighting a reocurrance. I'm also very vocal and open about my cancer journey and have helped many sort through this rotten disease.
PSA tests aren’t wrong/misleading (unless there’s a lab error). Many people have simply misunderstood its purpose.
For initial diagnosis, a PSA test isn’t a “cancer test.” The PSA number itself is similar to a “check engine” light in your car; it indicates that something may be wrong, and further checks should be made “under the hood.” Might be as simple as a UTI; might be BPH; might be more serious. (Or the man might have engaged in an activity causing a temporary rise in PSA. Many things can affect PSA, which is why it’s important to be sure that your PSA is as accurate as possible.)
Just need to have further checks. No need to panic, or rush to a quick treatment decision, or get overly concerned. With early and annual screening, if there is an elevated PSA, other tests and numbers should also play a role in deciding on additional treatment.
thanks for joining the conversation. I like your analogy of a check engine light. We appreciate you bringing your insight to our community. Jill, (prostatecancer.net team)
I had an 8.6 the prior year. At my wellness exam, the doctor told me "we do not do PSA at your age". I finally took myself to urology. PSA 16.3 and 21 of 23 biopsies bad. Radiation; chemical castration. Alive but no longer a 'man'.
Follow-up on my most recent blood test; my PSA as of mid-September is <0.1, a reading which my Oncologist tells me means my PSA is undetectable. I start 8-weeks of radiation treatments this coming Monday 30-Sep-2024.
Basically I've come a long way in the last year; when I was first diagnosed last October with what was erroneously considered Stage 4b cancer, I was given no more than 5-years to live, now my Oncologist is talking in terms of decades. 😀that is amazing!!!! Such wonderful news. Thank you for sharing with us. Jill (Team Member)
If it was up to me, I'd have PSA testing for men start at 40.
