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Frequency of PSA Test
I just had my two year-post RP PSA test, and it continues to show undetectible. This is especially good news because I am high risk- Gleason 8, Decipher .91, and the path report was worrisome including positive margin, although I had no metastasis when I was diagnosed and the genetic test I had was negative. They did, however, remove a bunch of other stuff including the bundled nerves, lymph nodes and seminal vesicle to help prevent potential spread as those are all known potential landing spots for microscopic cancer cells left behind. Up until now I've been scheduling PSA tests every three months. My doctor now says I can go every 6 months. I responded by actually asking that we keep it at three. I'm kind of scratching my head over this one. Everything I see shows that it really takes anywhere from 3 to 5 years worth of PSA tests, post RP and without a rise in PSA, to know that you are out of the immediate danger zone. Of course, that could change in years 6 or 7 or even years 10 or 15, but your BCR odds seem to plateau after that long and less frequent PSA tests are indicated. I am wondering why they would recommended I now go an every 6 months cycle so early in the game?
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@northoftheborder Same here. If ordered by my doctor, it’s covered. A couple of times I’ve ordered one myself - just out of curiosity. I started PSA testing in 2000 (at 45y/o) after reading an article (similar to this 1992 article) a few years earlier.
What often happens here is that doctors won’t order a test unless you ask for it. That’s it! All a guy has to do is to ask for it.
I’ve asked my wife about mammograms - do they make you have one? She said no; they bring it up, but it’s totally up to her whether or not to have one. Similar with pelvic exams - do they make you have one? She said no; they bring it up, but it’s totally up to her whether or not to have one. But, women know about them (and the value), so they get them done.
On the other hand, I’ve heard guys (even some mention on this forum) say they never heard about prostate cancer or PSA tests until they started having issues. That seems impossible to believe.
Recently, I was curious as to how many celebrities and other notable figures (athletes, actors, politicians, business leaders, and others in the spotlight) over the past few decades have been in the news with a diagnosis (or death) from prostate cancer. After less than an hour of searching, this was the list I amassed: Al Roker, Andre Dawson, Andre Patterson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Andy Grove, Andy Taylor, Arnold Palmer, Ben Stiller, Bill Bixby, Bjorn Borg, Bob Casey, Bob Dole, Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken, Carlton Fisk, Charlton Heston, Chuck Tanner, Cliff Richard, Colin Egglesfield, Colin Powell, Dan Fogelberg, Darwin Deason, Davey Lopes, David Koch, Dennis Hopper, Derrick Hall, Dexter Scott King, Dick Sargeant, Don Ameche, Dusty Baker, Elton John, Francois Mitterrand, Frank Zappa, Gary Cooper, Glenn Thompson, Gregg Olson, Harry Belafonte, Hugh Freeze, Ian McKellen, Jake Abraham, James Michael Tyler, James Pickens, Jr., Jay Harris, Jerry Brown, Jerry Orbach, Joe Torre, John Kerry, Johnny Ramone, Ken Griffey, Sr., Langston Hughes, Linus Pauling, Lloyd Austin, Lord Cameron, Mandy Patinkin, Michael Bennet, Michael Milken, Michael Ray Richardson, Mitt Romney, Montel Jordan, Nelson Mandela, O.J. Simpson, Phil Lesh, Phil Niekro, Ram Herrera, Rick Steves, Rob Halford, Ryne Sandberg, Rob Gardenhire, Robert DeNiro, Rod Stewart, Roger Moore, Ron Wyden, Rudy Giuliani, Ryan O’Neal, Shannon Sharpe, Sidney Poitier, Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Roger Moore, Stephen Fry, Steve Garvey, Steve Ross, Stokeley Carmichael, Telly Savalas, Terrell Williams, Thom Tillis, Tim Commerford, Timothy Leary, Ty Cobb, Warren Buffet, & William Hurt.
I’m sure there are many others. All of us have heard of many (or most) of those in that list. Despite all the media
attention given to these celebrities and their diagnoses, most men say they never even
heard about prostate cancer or PSA testing; as a result, never choose to get their PSA tested. I don’t get it.
That’s an unfortunate choice.
@kenhorse Great news! I hope to become member of your club!
I too have tests done every three months yet am still early in the cycle (2 years). The six month schedule might indicate a confidence in your oncologist that things seem to be proceeding well, as I hope they are. Best to you on your continuing journey…