What is standard long term follow up to prostate cancer after surgery?

Getting regular blood tests with your PSA test is a good way to see what’s happening. Testing kidney, liver, cholesterol, blood sugar/A1C, CBC and maybe more can keep things under control.

A Stanford study showed that if a PC patient had radiation there was only a 1/2% chance they would get another cancer than someone that had no radiation. About a 2.5% chance without the radiation. So chance of another cancer is low.

Get the colon cancer test that just requires you mail back a poop sample, it is frequently sufficient.

Don’t let paranoia get to you.

Medicare does cover annual wellness exams (free) and other health-related checkups are covered as well (subject to the low deductible).

Here is the list of preventive and screening services that Medicare offers: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services

I’m almost 5 years post-treatment, and my medical oncologist still schedules full bloodwork (CBC & CMP) done at every PSA test (fully covered by Medicare + Supplement plan). My primary care physician schedules my lipid panel bloodwork annually, And I’m still scheduled for my 10-year follow-up colonoscopy in a few months.

There is also screening available for skin cancer, testicular cancer (self exams), and oral cancer (dentists sometimes check for this).

I’m not sure what other cancers there are regular screenings for?
> there is a test called CA19-9 that is often elevated for pancreatic (& some other gastrointestinal) cancers, but I’m not sure they’ll screen for it unless you already have that cancer.

It depends up on treatments that a PCa patient has had in addition to a prostatectomy and whether or not the patient has experienced a post surgery BCR.

If only a prostatectomy with PSA remaining undetectable, my other regular tests would follow the guidelines for my age (e.g. normal blood tests, periodic colonoscopy, skin cancer screening, etc).

If I had a family history and/or germline test results indicating other forms of cancer being more probable, I would consider a consultation with an oncologist specializing in that cancer to understand if any of the newly developed blood tests are effective in early detection of those specific types of cancers.

I have been on Medicare for several years and get an annual physical with a very good provider. She tests everything and stays on top of things. I was worried after hearing bad stories about Medicare but in my case it has been a good experience.

I also see an endocrinologist (in addition to urologist) She also stays on top of all blood work. If you are not getting good care because of Medicare, maybe try a different provider. I am in Maryland and my experience has been very positive

So...

My PCP during my annual medical wellness visit orders a pretty comprehensive set of blood draws:

CBCs
Lipid
TSH
Testosterone

I also schedule a six month visit with my PCP, he's pretty good about scheduling follow ups with specialists on any concerns I have

My oncologist checks PSA and also CBCs...Those are off cycle from my PCP so no duplication.

Because of polyps in my first and subsequent colonoscopies, I am on the three year plan..

I see my dentist three times a year for cleanings and exams.

I see my eye doctor annually for screenings.

I alternate every six months seeing my cardiologists given my Afib history.

I check in with my pulmonologist annually, sleep apnea.

I'm comfortable that covers a wide swath of medical professional to be preemptive. As we know by this point in life, "bad news does not get better with age.!"

The link @brianjarvis provides is pretty comprehensive.

I have had no issues with Medicare, either seeing my medical team or paying the claims.

Kevin

Thank you, Kevin. I have observed your super efficient comments and documentations over time. I will get on some of these things. I have gone to 'walk in labs' on occasion to order my own bloodwork.
Tom

I would include getting an annual (or less frequent if not real issues) skin check with a dermatologist. I’m on Medicare and paid $15 OOP for that.

Definitely keep up with colonoscopies, or the Cologuard “poop test” as Jeff suggested (if you have polyps, then Colorguard is off the table).

Also, as regards other cancers, or any diseases, you are your own best front line. If you are concerned about certain diseases, perhaps learn the early warning signs that might give reason for a doctor’s visit. Perhaps keep a journal of your health and fitness (I do). Watch for sudden weight changes, cognitive changes, persistent new aches and pains, balance issues, changes in appetite, etc.

Your dentist should check for mouth/oral cancers during routine exams/cleanings.

Best,
Mel