I just received my PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) test results. I scored a 1.1 which is the same number I had in 2016. Just call me Mr. Consistent. I know there’s been recent debate about the usefulness of the PSA in older men, but I’m a Believer.
Detecting prostate cancel early is a key component to effective treatment. The PSA test is basically the best tool to accomplish that diagnosis. I know a lot of health insurance companies don’t want to pay for it especially for older patients. But detecting a problem early rather than late makes all the difference. If you’re 50 years old or older, I urge you to get a PSA test every year. If you have a man you love in your life, urge him to have a PSA test yearly. And, if your PSA is above 5.0, take action quickly!
Good to hear that, George. I started taking the test, as part of my annual blood work, in my mid-forties. There has been awareness about PSA only in recent years. Most men used to take the test only after they turned sixty.
Prashant, most doctors in the U.S. recommended the PSA for their patients when they turned 50. Now, for men with a history of prostate cancer in their families, the recommendation is to start getting a yearly PSA in their 40s.
We went to the doctor this week and he was explaining why he still believes in annual mammograms even though most now say every other year for women of Jackie’s age. She has been going every other year for a while and will continue to do so, though this time with be more like 19 months. We did our usual blood work (including the PSA, though mine is never as low as your excellent scores).
Jeff, I give all the credit for my scintillating 1.1 PSA score to PIZZA!
I’ve heard Men should get a PSA test done in their early 40’s to get a base score, then they can track changes.
Glad to hear your Pizza plan is working, George.
Maggie, when my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer (he had surgery to remove it and recovered fully), my urologist recommended the PSA test to me. I was 48 at the time. Since then, I’ve had PSA tests yearly. The PIZZA EFFECT on the prostate is due to the lycopene in the pizza sauce.
My Dr. said a man of may age and mortal caliber wasn’t worth the bother.
Dan, that’s part of the controversy. Some docs and most insurance companies think older men don’t need the PSA test. I respectfully disagree. If I get prostate cancer, I want treatment. Sure, prostate cancer is a “slow developing” cancer. But ignoring it doesn’t strike me as the best strategy.
On the other hand, you need common sense. Our doctor was telling us about a patient who was still having annual mammograms at 90! He gently tried to explain to her why this wasn’t necessary, by pointing out that if she did get something, she wouldn’t have surgery or chemo or radiation, so…why do it?
He also made Jackie feel better by agreeing with the urologist who told her if her colonoscopy was clear, one every 10 years was fine. She still has two years to go. (I had one last year.)
Jeff, a lot of doctors are telling their patients to skip colonoscopies when they hit their 70s. New testing procedures are underway so we many only have to get a blood test in the future.
Not all prostate cancer is slow developing. Some, like mine, is aggressive.
Rick, no doubt there’s a genetic component to prostate cancer that may determine whether it progresses quickly or slowly.
Speaking with experience, have the test yearly. Phil’s jumped dramatically over two years.
Patti, exactly! A sudden jump in the PSA score is a signal that shouldn’t be ignored.
George, congratulations! And of course to everybody else best wishes for a healthy time!
Here the opinion is that the PSA score is mainly relevant if there are/have been problems in your family – my concern is my skin, I’ve had several small operations where they took put basalioms (white skin cancer) and other stuff. A prostata exam every two years has shown good results …
Well, we’re all getting older but still having sex regularly must also be a good sign!
PS:
I just turned 74 – so I’m surely among the oldest guys here – cheers!
Wolf, I have a theory that an active sex life helps prevent prostate cancer.
George, your theories about sex life and pizza are, sorry to say, twaddle. I’ve had a lot of conversations with urologists in tha last 18 months, and none of that is hinted at, let along confirmed. However, having sex and eating pizza are enjoyable, so go for it.
Rick, the pizza theory has some support: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20030721/pizza-prevents-cancer#1
The sex theory is more controversial, but my thinking goes like this: older men are more likely to have erectal dysfunction problems and therefore engage in sex a lot less. The semen in the prostate festers and turns cancerous.
Prostate has seminal fluid, but not full-shot semen, unless something is Very wrong…
Guess I should be getting some tests before all my precarious insurance disappears…
And congratulations! Certainly, even though I’m not seeing anyone of late, the occasional memory of Mary Elizabeth Winstead among so many others (including those delightful women I used to go with) help out…
Todd, The nurse and her syringe are there for humorous effect. But the PSA is the best available test for determining prostate cancer. Most insurance plans cover it. It’s just a simple blood test.
Your model or at least her syringe are perhaps not the most inviting…except perhaps for those with Specialized tastes in fun…