Prostate cancer and getting a psa test

[Johnniepk]

I had my.most recent psa test after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and brilliant treatment from our nhs.
I pleased to say its now at 0.25

And on that note i have to encourage all of the blokes on here to go get a psa test. Its a simple blood test. Not intrusive.

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.

Get checked out.
Please

 

[GrandOldTeam]

Good post mate.

Shame they still say over 50s though I understand risk/resource.

 

[edge]

Yes definitely get one .
I Got tested and was 13 psa .
Went through the process, scans , various other bits.
Thankfully only enlarged prostrate.
Could have had an op but didn't see the need till or if I have to
And have to take medication which definitely helps.
Dont be hesitant to go its definitely worth the effort.
Men are to flippant over there health.
Needs to change.
Should be much lower age and more available.
Anyone with any questions just pm me if your scared to post about the process.
Ps before anybody asks yes
i can still get a hard on.
Without blue

 

[Johnniepk]

Good post mate.

Shame they still say over 50s though I understand risk/resource.

I agree. I've had some really heated discussions about the recent decisions about a screening programme.
Tests saves lives. Yet still there's a hurdle to get one unless you have symptoms and a gp who knows their stuff.

 

[GrandOldTeam]

I agree. I've had some really heated discussions about the recent decisions about a screening programme.
Tests saves lives. Yet still there's a hurdle to get one unless you have symptoms and a gp who knows their stuff.

Im going to try an get some headline sponsor next season to hopefilly replace the ads on here with things like health campaigns.

 

[Bazlar]

I had my.most recent psa test after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and brilliant treatment from our nhs.
I pleased to say its now at 0.25

And on that note i have to encourage all of the blokes on here to go get a psa test. Its a simple blood test. Not intrusive.

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.

Get checked out.
Please

What a truly magnificent gesture. Some of the people on here never cease to amaze me

 

[TommyDavo]

A mate of mine has been diagnosed with it, but the truth is he’s more likely to die with it than because of it according to the specialists. He’s 67. Not decrying getting that test btw.

 

[Johnniepk]

A mate of mine has been diagnosed with it, but the truth is he’s more likely to die with it than because of it according to the specialists. He’s 67. Not decrying getting that test btw.

Prostate cancer comes in varying degrees of aggressiveness. And many other variables, location, has it spread, escaped the gland, in lymph nodes etc.
Early diagnosis is the key and getting tested is the first step.

 

[blue61]

Ive had a colonoscopy, and a finger up the bum twice. My only concern was on the first occasion, the dr was correcting his flies when I turned around.

 

[TommyDavo]

Prostate cancer comes in varying degrees of aggressiveness. And many other variables, location, has it spread, escaped the gland, in lymph nodes etc.
Early diagnosis is the key and getting tested is the first step.

Aye, just meant in and of itself it is not always a death sentence and the sooner it’s picked up obviously increases survival rates. There has been a drop-in service for breast cancer screening parked up at the Park End for a few weeks. Superb, I hope women have taken advantage, now us chaps need a similar bus with lots of needles

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

I agree. I've had some really heated discussions about the recent decisions about a screening programme.
Tests saves lives. Yet still there's a hurdle to get one unless you have symptoms and a gp who knows their stuff.

This is our (mens) problem...unless we have them, then we get lax. Gotta' have blood pouring out of our orifices to take notice. Makes sense, considering our apparent role in society, historically.