Prostate

[Bazile]

Further to Mikey's post about Prostate cancer .

I have been thinking it's about time to have another PSA test , for a while now
I have had about three in the past where the readings were low .

However given that the PSA is not accurate , what level of reading or personal indications ,would be wise to have further tests carried undertaken ?

[Sqad]

Any PSA above 5 would raise suspicion of malignant disease, but may also be due to other non malignant disease processes.

What is more important is that of the significance of a rising PSA figure and that would trigger urgent investigations. ......rectal examination, MRI scan and then biposy.

If the figure for PSA was not rising and was below 5 and urinary symptoms were minimal, then a period of wait and see would be justifiable.

Your readings would not give rise to concern unless they were starting to rise.

[Sqad]

50 years of age. ^^^^

[Bazile]

Thanks for that sqad

Just to be clear , when you say 'a rising PSA figure'
Do you mean having a series of tests over a set period of time

For example if i had a PSA test done next week and it was above 5 - do you mean having another in say 6 months time and if that reading had increased then that would indicate urgent further
investigations ?

[Sqad]

Bazile......exactly.

[Bazile]

Sorry to keep on at this .

So if my previous PSA readings ( i'll have to check what dates they were done and the actual readings ) had increased over the three tests i had done ,should i now be asking my GP for further tests to be undertaken ?

[mikey4444]

Sqad...........I was under the impression that the PSA test is more likely to give a false positive, then a false negative ?

[Sqad]

Bazile....if your hitherto PSA tests were within normal range (say below5) and then the next one "wandered "into the higher zone ( say 8or9) then yes, certainly further investigations should be instigated.

Each individual patient should be assessed on his merits, with no adherence to hard and fast rules.

[Sqad]

mikey...the test is so inaccurate that one could argue either way.

[emeritus]

Bazille some useful info here

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/prostate-tests/psa-test

[mikey4444]

Thanks Sqad....I knew it shouldn't be relied on, on its own at least.

[Hopkirk]

If I want a PSA test, do I have to make an appointment with the GAP, or just ask the surgery staff?

[NoMercy]

Anything over 5 warrants further investigation.

[bhg481]

Whenever I've wanted one I just went online and booked an appointment and put "prostate check" for the reason. Doctor asked if I wanted a PSA test after explaining the pros and cons and doing the finger test.

[Hopkirk]

I just don't want to take up a valuable GP slot asking, if I don't need to. I'll nip in and ask the receptionist.

[Tilly2]

I don't think Mr T, aged 67, has ever had a test. Should I 'encourage' him to go and get one done?

[Cloverjo]

From what I've read on the subject, and know two men who have had it or have recovered from it, it's best not to look for a test unless there are symptoms troubling him.
Many prostate cancers are slow growing and would do no harm. More harm could be caused by trying to get rid of it, if anything were to be found.

[Sqad]

Cloverjo....exactly the same applies to breast cancer in females, but I bet you go for Mammary Screening..........;-)

[Cloverjo]

I did, sqad. I didn't want to, as there's no history of breast cancer in my family. But it was part of a study that involved inviting YOUNGER women than the usual age range to take part. I thought it might help their stats. (Note the YOUNGER bit) ;)