PSA test

[Huzzah]

I'm 66 and last had one of these 10-12 yrs ago, no symptoms.

4 friends have had prostate cancer, so prompted by this I've requested PSA test. Doc has said blood test is not enough, must have rectal examination too. I don't remember this last time, is it really necessary?

[Terminator X]

I am not a doctor but just have the PSA first surely and see what it says?

TX.

[LosingGrip]

Huzzah said:

I'm 66 and last had one of these 10-12 yrs ago, no symptoms.

4 friends have had prostate cancer, so prompted by this I've requested PSA test. Doc has said blood test is not enough, must have rectal examination too. I don't remember this last time, is it really necessary?

I doubt the doctor is wanting to finger your ahole for the sake of it...if they are suggesting it, it will be for a reason.

I had a prostate exam a couple of years ago. Little bit uncomfortable (mainly the poor jokes I made...) but done within 30 seconds or so.

[Huzzah]

Terminator X said:

I am not a doctor but just have the PSA first surely and see what it says?

TX.

They want to do both at the same time.

[Mr Pointy]

Huzzah said:

I'm 66 and last had one of these 10-12 yrs ago, no symptoms.

4 friends have had prostate cancer, so prompted by this I've requested PSA test. Doc has said blood test is not enough, must have rectal examination too. I don't remember this last time, is it really necessary?

There's a big thread on prostate stuff here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[JeremyH5]

The doctor’s finger up your bum test is so they can detect any size abnormality and roughness of surface of the prostate. If PSA indicates referral to urologist they will repeat the test prior to MRI.

[Patch1875]

I’m 53 and last week went to the docs to get mines checked.

I’ve had a couple of prostate infections over the last few years but the physical exam it felt normal.

Recently I’ve felt that had to push the last few drops out when peeing and with sir Chris’s diagnosis thought it was best to get it checked out.

Doctor called me yesterday and wants to refer me to urology. My PSA came back as very slightly elevated (should be under 3 I was 4) so not much but seems to trigger possible further investigation.

So definitely worth considering if you feel it’s best checked out the finger test is over in about 2 seconds and is absolutely fine. Then for me it was the blood test and a questionnaire to fill in.

[mcelliott]

Had a PSA and finger test done before xmas, finger as has been mentioned is quick and painless, the blood test came back after 3 days, to me it's a no brainer if you have any concerns, have to say Sir Chris Hoy has done a fabulous job of raising awareness.

[FiF]

Don't get your PSA test after the digital rectal exam which can result in elevated levels of the antigen. Doctors should know this and give you some advice, eg book the blood test but leave a few days after the DRE, do not ejaculate for two days before the test, vigorous exercise before the blood test can result in elevated levels especially riding a cycle to the surgery.

[Armitage.Shanks]

If you don't want the faff of booking into your GP surgery and then possibly having to go somwhere else for a blood test book a PSA test with a charity - it can cost as low as a fiver. It's a 'proper' blood sample sent to the lab and results within 48hrs by email. I book in every year at one of their events close to me. https://pcs.mypsatests.org.uk/

If you've got other symptoms and not just wanting to check your PSA count I'd see the GP.

[Gas1883]

I’ll always remember the finger up the bum bit ( not that bit actually ) , more the look on the doctors face when he said , You have a large lump & you’ve had it a long time , did send chills down my spine , large lump / long time , had me thinking this is really bad
On a side note it’s always made me wonder how you can get a large lump on your prostrate , 5 yrs after initial examination the lump has not changed , why did it appear , assume grow larger , then stop growing , one of life’s mysteries I guess .

[Huzzah]

Mrs H put it in perspective.

'Take it like a man you wimp'

'Nothing compared to the indignities we have had to endure over the years'

[Easternlight]

Neither PSA or the DRE are guaranteed checks but both are good indicators..
Far too much fuss made about the DRE.
I've had half a dozen over the last few years it's done so quickly you barely know it's happening.
I'm almost disappointed if I don't get it done now

[Bluevanman]

My GP reckons the PSA test is a waste of time

[Armitage.Shanks]

Bluevanman said:

My GP reckons the PSA test is a waste of time

That may be because the cost to do it comes out of the surgery devolved budget. It's a screening indicator and not wholly reliable in itself but if the figure is elevated above the norm with no other symptons I'd rather go back to the GP and ask for further investigation.

Years ago I had a toenail fungal infection, not causing an issue but a bit unsightly. My previous GP fobbed me off to more or less live with it. When I saw the new one it was sorted. The 'cost' was having regular blood tests for liver function re the medication over what was a 12 month period.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Bluevanman said:

My GP reckons the PSA test is a waste of time

Well he's an idiot then. It's not, but it's certainly not definitive.

[Mr Pointy]

Bluevanman said:

My GP reckons the PSA test is a waste of time

So what has he recommended as an alternative? Is he sending you for an MRI?

[Bill]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

Well he's an idiot then. It's not, but it's certainly not definitive.

You have to question the value of a test where 75% of positive results and 15% of negative results are wrong.

[Badda]

Easternlight said:

Neither PSA or the DRE are guaranteed checks but both are good indicators..
Far too much fuss made about the DRE.
I've had half a dozen over the last few years it's done so quickly you barely know it's happening.
I'm almost disappointed if I don't get it done now

DRE is a waste of time and is being phased out totally.
PSA has it's limitations, worth reading up on it.

I wouldn't go for a PSA test unless I was symptomatic.

[Huzzah]

Badda said:

Easternlight said:

Neither PSA or the DRE are guaranteed checks but both are good indicators..
Far too much fuss made about the DRE.
I've had half a dozen over the last few years it's done so quickly you barely know it's happening.
I'm almost disappointed if I don't get it done now

DRE is a waste of time and is being phased out totally.
PSA has it's limitations, worth reading up on it.

I wouldn't go for a PSA test unless I was symptomatic.

I have four friends who've been positive, all successfully treated (3 X ops and one radiotherapy) none showed symptoms.