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Gleason 8 diagnosis at 51: Likely opting for surgery
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (45)Comment receiving replies
Laccoamena5, Did you read what I wrote? These are true events that occurred. I DO NOT disagree with you about doing the PSA test and how important it is. It should be done PERIOD!
I am simply relating to those members new to the world of urology, that a real backlash occurred in that time frame (2017-2020?) which caused drs to have to give patients the disclaimer that the PSA test result could open them up to a cascade of medical procedures - referral to a urologist, perhaps unnecessary biopsy or even surgery.
I know this for a FACT since my doctor explained it at length to me when I asked him about a PSA test.
And for the record, “this nonsense” is NOT still around since it was soundly debunked by the rise in advanced PCa cases after this 3 year period of turbulence. This is historical perspective for those who think that this area of medical expertise is cut and dried and tied with a neat little bow. In fact, many of those same people confuse their degree from Google University with the real thing.
Replies to "Laccoamena5, Did you read what I wrote? These are true events that occurred. I DO NOT..."
My neighbor who is an MD commented when my current PC state came up in casual conversation. "No real need for a PSA test unless there are symptoms or a family history of PC" Fear of "over treating" was the reason. High school class mate diagnosed at 78 with PSA 8 last summer. Under treatment, radiation and Lupron but no surgery for now. His oncologist told him that side effects from Lupron are "rare" Quackery ( nonsense) till abounds. Many men still give a blank look when I asked them about a PSA test. "what's that, never heard of it" VERY sad and potentially deadly too.
Sounds about right. It was in 2018 and 2019 when two different PCPs told me not to worry because of my age when I asked about PC screening during my annual check-up.
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I do remember that period only from reading about it. Over treatment was a big concern and I remember how PSA tests were almost being discouraged for a while, which I found interesting because aside from the far less reliable digital exam, this seem to me to always be the best early detection system available.