Hook
Blackbeard's former bo'sun.
I suspect the NHS is somewhat behind the curve in cancer testing / early detection if the experience of both of my parents is anything to go by. AFAICT the NHS is currently near useless for rapid diagnosis of serious illness, whether due to under-funding, under-staffing (thanks Brexit), or the endless reorganizations. I think 10+ years of Tory government have near destroyed it - just like it was in the late 90s after the last Tory innings.
Anyway, to the subject of PSA - I think the latest thinking is that
- annual PSA testing is not necessary, and may lead to more harm than good
- many men may only benefit from one test every 5-10 years (https://www.urologytimes.com/view/single-psa-test-45-may-predict-aggressive-pca)
- a high PSA should be repeated, and followed by MRI of the prostate before considering biopsy (since biopsy is not without risk).
- You have to prep for the PSA (no ejaculation for at least 3 days, no riding a bike for 5+ days).
this was the advise from a urologist I saw earlier this year. I think eventually infrequent PSA testing may be found to be useful and cost effective, but I suspect the NHS will be slow to adopt it.
Heard the same from my urologist. I have a enlarged prostate and an elevated PSA. Have had two MRIs, the first two years ago and again last month. They were ordered to look evidence of lumps and lesions, and to measure prostate size. Fortunately, no cancer was found. Larger prostates do produce larger PSA numbers, so some math is needed for a proper diagnosis.
Peeing takes me longer than it used to, but I’m told that’s fairly common among 65 year old men. In my case, frequency is also higher due to a diuretic I take for my heart. My urologist said that there are meds I can take to shrink my prostate (and lower my PSA), but I am pretty cautious about adding new meds and am holding off for now.
@Somafunk - thanks for your post and for your inspiring attitude. I wish you all the best in the days ahead.