Join the Conversation: How Long It Takes to Get a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

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Prostate cancer can be difficult to diagnose. It often shows no symptoms in the early stages. And even when potential symptoms appear, like trouble urinating or erectile dysfunction, they could be mistaken as part of aging or something else.

We want to learn more about your path to getting diagnosed with prostate cancer. Did you discover it early, or were warning signs missed? Did your doctor correctly diagnose you, or were you initially misdiagnosed? Explore our forums below to talk about your experience, and see what others have shared.

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bvjarvis1 Member
I had been having PSA tests for 12 years (starting at 45y) before PSA was elevated (4.2 ng/mL). We discovered it early; there were no symptoms. It took a few months before being diagnosed with prostate cancer. After the initial elevated PSA, then a follow-up PSA a month later, then a biopsy, and then a 2nd opinion on the biopsy. Only then did we have a confirmed diagnosis. All that took about 3 months. The diagnosis was correct. Active surveillance followed.
1. JillBrodie Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="bvjarvis1" user-id="3258166"/> I am glad you were able to discover it early with no symptoms. Sounds like you were an advocate for yourself and got a second opinion and you were able to get a diagnosis pretty quickly. Thanks for sharing. Jill, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a> team
peekaafighter Member
It was about 5 to 6 years after I was diagnosed as having BPH, when PSA began to touch the 7 mark, up from 4 levels at the start. I was advised I should undergo a biopsy. Seeing my hesitation, the medical team asked me to undergo a PSMA-PET scan to rule out PSA elevation having been caused by BPH. The scan revealed a localized tumour. I underwent a TRUSS biopsy soon afterwards that revealed a Gleason score 3+3 tumour. But, as the PSA climbed to 12~13 levels and refused to settle down post biopsy, Active Surveillance was not being agreed to by the medical team, they advised a short course of anti inflammatory medicine to rule out PSA elevation having been caused by the biopsy. I also had an Oncotype DX GPS test done on the biopsy tissue which gave a “very low risk” result. The PSA had also gone into downward trend over the next two years, reaching 4 levels. I was happy enough continuing under Active Surveillance. But in 2021~22, a mpMRI revealed an increase in the tumour size and soon thereafter there was a huge spike in PSA to 11 levels. Another PSMA-PET scan and biopsy revealed the cancer was getting into the locally advanced stage with a Gleason Score of 4+3. So in 2022, I underwent neo-adjuvant ADT for 3~4 months before undergoing EBRT in December 2022, about 5 years after the first suspicion of Prostate Cancer appeared on the horizon. The ADT with Goserellin continues and will probably be ceased two years after it started. But many patients do not follow such a long drawn out course of diagnosis and treatment. For many “earlier the better” applies while choosing Prostatectomy or Radiotherapy. However, I still feel, all options should be exhausted first before choosing radical treatment but all under expert medical supervision.
1. JillBrodie Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="peekaafighter" user-id="3257057"/> you certainly have gone through a long process. Thank you for sharing with us and I agree that it is a good idea that all options should be on the table before making a decision. Jill, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a> team 
2. Dennis E. Golden Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="peekaafighter" user-id="3257057"/> The advice I received was --- gather as much information as possible from MDs, other patients, and your research. After that, choose what you believe is the best approach based on what you know. Agree on the earlier the better when it comes to a diagnosis vs ignoring symptoms etc. Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
CommunityMember2a0a37 Member
Men please get tested for higher PSA & if diagnosed with Prostate Cancer get it treated! I just got done running the Chicago Marathon within four hours. At age 48 I thought I had many years before treatment due my running & age however I was very wrong! After a MRI was done I learned the tumor was trying to escape the prostate. Dr Hollweck told my wife "Your husband needs to stop denying he cancer while hiding behind his running or he will die!" A couple months later I had my prostate removed. That was five years ago, I feel if denied treatment or waited another year I might be dead or my quality of life would be really reduced. Good luck Prostate Brothers 💙
1. JillBrodie Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember2a0a37" user-id="9750341"/> thank you so much for sharing your story. Such a great reminder to our community. Jill, <a href='https://prostatecancer.net' target='_blank'>prostatecancer.net</a> team