Do you tell others now to get a PSA?

For myself, I am an extrovert and have no problem talking about my prostate cancer with others. I actually see this as an obligation to inform other men of the risks associated with prostate cancer and the need to own their healthcare, and not just rely on the competence of their PCP with annual exams. There are so many incompetent doctors and medical institutions that are more focused on following their politically biased processes than actually taking care of patients. For myself, I enjoyed my career, worked 10-12 hours a day, went to all my doctor appointments, and had annual physicals (including PSA checks post 50 YO), etc... Unfortunately, I trusted my PCP to identify and let me know if there were any problems. Each year, the doctor told me I was healthy, at optimal weight, and was good to go. Unfortunately, I did not take personal responsibility for my healthcare and trusted our medical model. This doctor took my PSA for 6 years (50-55), but failed tell me that my PSA had doubled twice and was in the process of doubling a third time. At that point in my life, I was focused on family and work, and just trusted our medical model. After retiring at 55, I met with a nurse practitioner to discuss how I could work to improve my overall diet. Thankfully this nurse was a family friend and took it upon herself to review my complete medical history - In the end, she asked me if I was addressing my prostate problem - My answer was no... Long story short, at the age of 55, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer - Gleason 7 (4/3). From that point forward, I knew that I had to take my health into my own hands and not be an ignorant bystander. I did a huge amount of research on prostate cancer, hospitals, doctors and medical procedures available to treat prostate cancer. I ultimately decided to utilize a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, Mayo-Rochester as the center of excellence, and Dr. Igor Frank as the surgeon. Excellent results - I am now 57, PSA checks have been undetectable for the past 1.5 years, and all body functions have returned.

Since going through my cancer diagnosis, I have talked to 100's of men about prostate cancer and the need to own their personal healthcare. I want to make sure they do not follow the same path I did, trusting institutions that do not have your best interest in mind.

Good luck to all and hope you have a great day!!

Jim

DO NOT TRUST THEM.
TRUST YOURSELF.
Every young man should be encouraged, every time he gets a checkup and they order a blood panel…he should say, oh add a PSA to that. PSA test is cheap. Its like asking for a ketchup packet with your fries.
The young healthy man will learn his healthy range over the years. And the moment it POPs, well all of us here know the drill… hopefully… by now.
Also this young man needs to plot his PSA numbers on a graph. Its the dynamics of the PSA that is so so valuable. How it moves. That is the tell. And don’t let them fool you. It is deadly accurate.
Its up to us old people to help the young ones. So what got done to us don’t get done to them.

I tell friends that if they have any familial incidences of prostate cancer they should definitely get a PSA test after 50. If no family history I am quite apprehensive. The test as a diagnostic tool is not super reliable and without doubt some people are getting unnecessary treatment because of it.

bluegill: I ask men regularly, when I play golf, about their PSA and as others have said, suggest they add it to their blood test. I do not feel its an obligation but after all the stories, if they start tracking it, I feel I have done a small good deed that may help them in the future. If they cut the conversation off, I respect that...and I never bring it up after they have hit a bad shot...or when I have.

Absolutely, my whole life I had a sort of adversion to
Doctors visits…I guess when you’re young you think you’re invincible. Not only I failed to have a PSA test after 50, but after my prostatectomy ( aged 54) I failed to keep checking my PSA for years and as a result I am know fighting metastatic recurring cancer. So, yes, I tell everyone to get tested every chance I get.

After my experience, I tell friends to get one. I bring it up once, telling them about my experience with 4b agressive PC and let it go after that. I wouldn't wish what I went thru on anyone.

I’ve commented before on this thread but wanted to share something related.

I’ve known one of my friends for nearly 50 years. He’s like a brother to me and a good husband to his wife and father to his children. He refuses to have an annual physical or to even get his PSA tested despite the fact that his father had PCa twice. The first time his dad was treated with Brachytherapy and was in remission for nearly 20 years. When PCA returned in his late 80’s he was treated with oral ADT until he died at age 96. He was a living testimonial to the value of getting your PSA tested.

I know what I’m going through with recurrent PCa and read what others are experiencing on their journeys. PCa affects not only the patient. Our families are often affected too. I find it frustrating when other men wont do simple things to take care of their health. I don’t understand it.

I have a co-worker who had his prostate removed some 3 years ago, he said he hasn't had his psa tested since then. I don't understand why he hasn't tested again, he told me he was going for physical and was going to have tested then. I'm not pushing I hope but I do keep asking him about it.

For most people on this message board it may seem that PSA testing is a wonderful tool that saves lives but the truth is not so simple. Over-treatment is happening all the time and can have devastating repercussions for both the individual and immediate family.

I am 65 and was diagnosed in April. I tell every guy over 50 to start tracking. I have been tracking for 15 years and when it jumped I was on it. I have 4+3 localized. Will be doing TULSA Pro at Mayo in July. Early detection is key. I think over treatment is becoming far less common. Active surveillance is good strategy for many. At least having PSA checked regularly keeps you on top of what is happening.