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Worried and Looking for Some Advice

Posted by mikeg73 @mikeg73, Aug 20 3:58pm

Hello, I'm hoping I can get some tips from those on this forum regarding my situation...

My situation: I'm a 52 yr old male that just returned from my wellness visit with my new Primary Doctor and I have my blood work results.

My PSA result is 2.004, which the Doctor didn't even mention as it shows in the chart as being in the middle of the normal range (0 - 4). However, I'm only 52 and I remembered that I had blood work done almost exactly 2 years ago (2023) and the PSA result was 1.4. So it went from 1.4 to 2.004 in two years.

However, the current (most recent) test used CMIA and the test 2 years ago used the ECLIA method, and I don't know if they're comparable.

I do have concern here because I have a cousin that was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 57 years old in 2023, which is what prompted me to get mine checked at that time. The indicator for him was escalating PSA. My grandfather also had prostate cancer but it was diagnosed in his 70s.

I emailed the Doctor and he said it was a "good question," and that we would continue to do a yearly PSA to track it and if it went higher than 4.0 he would schedule an MRI.

Taking the above into account, do you think I have anything to worry about right now? Should I be content with "watch it yearly"?

Thanks, Mike

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mikeg73 | @mikeg73 | Aug 26 8:39pm
In reply to @jeffmarc "I didn’t respond because I thought other people had covered it. You have a very low..." + (show)
Profile picture for jeff Marchi @jeffmarc

I didn’t respond because I thought other people had covered it.

You have a very low PSA not something that would be a concern normally. Yes, having a relative with prostate cancer is a real indicator that you have a higher chance of getting it.

Has your doctor done a digital rectal exam to see if your prostate has anything noticeable in it? That’s the simplest test and can eliminate concern for now.

You have a very slow rising PSA. Yes, if it Hits .4 an MRI would be very advisable since you have a family history.

I don’t think your doctor is under estimating your chance of prostate cancer, at this time.

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Thank you, Jeff. I REALLY appreciate the comment. 🙂

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ozelli | @ozelli | Aug 27 4:03am
In reply to @mikeg73 "Thank you all for the information. I do appreciate it! I'm planning to track my PSA..." + (show)
Profile picture for mikeg73 @mikeg73

Thank you all for the information. I do appreciate it!

I'm planning to track my PSA at least yearly (but perhaps I'll push it to 6 months), to see if I have a significant continued upward trend. Right now I only have 2 data points, but those are sloping upward.

However, here's another little complication I'm in... my Doctor just recently put me on Candesartan 8 mg tablet to be taken daily for my high blood pressure (average 170/120). According to our good friend Google, there are some reports that drug may reduce PSA scores.

SO... good grief... I have high blood pressure because I worry about this stuff, and now I just started taking blood pressure pills because of all the worrying, now the dang pills I take can impact my PSA score!

How do I win? 🙁

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I don’t think there is any significant relationship between Candesartan and PSA levels. I am on 4mg and have been for years. If there is any, it is likely to be minor. As someone else said, the trend is your friend.
Depending on anxiety levels and financial situation, you might consider an (likely out-of-pocket) MRI.

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VancouverIslandHiker | @vancouverislandhiker | Aug 28 9:48am

Mike - I understand your concerns , they are valid . I would step up SPA tests to every 6 months so you get more data points . You can also look at velocity of changes . Any other health issues ? Your doing the right thing . Lots of great experience here on forum too ! If PSA rises over 3.0 over next 1-2 years I would get a second opinion on the Prostate . Yes, a MRI guided Biopsy would be next . If you feel like there are issues stick close to Dr . Some PC's dotn throw off a lot of PSA at times ...most do however . We have your back here ! Be safe Sir . James on Vancouver Island .

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mikeg73 | @mikeg73 | Aug 31 10:07pm

Thank you all. I do appreciate the advice. I feel I've gained a huge amount of knowledge all from this forum.

I'm going to request my primary doctor to do a PSA test in about 5 months (which will be 6 months after my last PSA test) and then request a PSA test every 6 months ongoing. I'm also going to ask if he can order the more detailed test that also shows the free PSA.

If at any time my PSA goes above 2.5 I'm going to book an appointment with a Urologist and University of Michigan Medical Center that specializes in prostate cancer.

That's my plan.

Thank you all!

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