Jayhall - So many doctors rely on PSA level alone. This is so misguided and incompetent. In addition to PSA level, they must look at the velocity (rate of increase) and doubling time. Even if your PSA level is relatively low (say 6, 7, 8), you could very well have intermediate or advanced prostate cancer. For myself, the doctor started doing PSA checks when I was 50 years old. I trusted the doctor to be competent, but she only looked at PSA level. In hindsight, I reviewed my records and my PSA doubled twice and was doubling a third time. Even with this rapid increase, she never indicated there was a problem/concern. Fortunately, I retired at 55 and went to a cardiovascular clinic to improve my diet in hopes to get off of cholesterol medication (Statin). Fortunately, the nurse practitioner was a friend from our church and she reviewed my entire medical record. After talking through my cholesterol issue, she asked me if I was addressing my prostate problem. Ignorantly, I replied, what is the prostate? Goes to show how much I relied on doctors at that point of my life - Never again, you must own you healthcare and take personal responsibility for it. I immediately did research, contacted the best possible center of excellence, and made an appointment with Mayo-Rochester. In the end, I was diagnosed with PC, Gleason 7 (4/3). I went with a radical prostatectomy and for the past 1.5 years had PSA level of undetectable - Praying this remains the case for the rest of my life!!

Bottom line, my PSA level was just below 8, but it had doubled almost three times. Ignorant doctors and "I don't want to worry you" doctors are very dangerous and should be avoided. We must own our healthcare and ensure the doctors are interpreting test results accurately - Please don't solely look at PSA level, you must also take into account the rate of increase (velocity and doubling time)!

Best of luck and I pray all goes well with your upcoming appointments.

Have a great day,

Jim