Prostate Cancer

[stefanovic]

Off for the PSA this morning, and the rectal exam is booked for next week. Flying to Rome the next morning, hope the seats are comfy

Have you've had a previous PSA test?
By rectal exam do you mean the gloved finger or a biopsy?
Again, judging by Ethan nothing is reliable.
Then why do they bother?

 

[rudebhoy]

Have you've had a previous PSA test?
By rectal exam do you mean the gloved finger or a biopsy?
Again, judging by Ethan nothing is reliable.
Then why do they bother?

No, this was the first time I've had the PSA. I had to have a telephone appointment with the GP beforehand, and she recommended I also should also have the gloved finger - I wasn't sure if that was a ploy to scare me off

 

[chellie]

An interesting read from @Ethan as I'm currently taking part in a trial with regard to breast cancer screening. It is examining whether a more personalised screening frequency, based upon risk, is more effective than the current system. I was selected for the Personalised Screening group and assessed to be at high risk of developing breast cancer so currently have an annual mammogram.

https://www.mypebs.eu/the-project/

Amanda, I've had annual screening for 30 years organised by Christies Hospital. I will stick with what their study is doing.

 

[Tashyboy]

Have you've had a previous PSA test?
By rectal exam do you mean the gloved finger or a biopsy?
Again, judging by Ethan nothing is reliable.
Then why do they bother?

I honestly think you are on the wind up.

How would a rectal examination mean a biopsy.
His post of PSA followed by an exam is easy to understand for us, including you to know that it will give a false reading to have his Back passage messed around with first and then a PSA which would be un naturally high. That’s why the Dr has arranged it that way. But I suspect you already know that.
Again Ethan wrote an Excellent post, but a PSA on its own, a rectal examination on its own, a scan on its own, a measure of the prostate on its own, a biopsy on its own. None of these things are 100% reliable. But put them together and it builds a picture or diagnosis. That’s why they bother.
But again I think you know that.
Your excellent posts for me get ignored because of ( like me ) some of your posts are wind up rammel.

 

[stefanovic]

I honestly think you are on the wind up.

How would a rectal examination mean a biopsy.
His post of PSA followed by an exam is easy to understand for us, including you to know that it will give a false reading to have his Back passage messed around with first and then a PSA which would be un naturally high. That’s why the Dr has arranged it that way. But I suspect you already know that.
Again Ethan wrote an Excellent post, but a PSA on its own, a rectal examination on its own, a scan on its own, a measure of the prostate on its own, a biopsy on its own. None of these things are 100% reliable. But put them together and it builds a picture or diagnosis. That’s why they bother.
But again I think you know that.
Your excellent posts for me get ignored because of ( like me ) some of your posts are wind up rammel.

Because if the doctor detects a lump, it could mean a tumour.
What is it you don't understand about that?

I can now see why the medical professionals throw their hand up in despair at all the misinformation that it is out there, and there is enough here.
I have survived this disease now since at least going back to July 2007 when I entered the system.
I can trace it back months earlier to the well known symptom of not being able to empty my bladder.
I have been through many PSA tests, rectal finger tests, 3 rectal biopsies, MRI scans, full body scans, CT scan, hormone therapy and radiotherapy.
Initially I was diagnosed as Stage 4 because it had gone into my bone.
No treatment now for over 12 years. Survival over 10 years after treatment with no further is considered good.
You are never quite out of the woods with this.

Then I've heard such rubbish as why would you bother with all those sessions of radiotherapy when it can only keep you alive for another few months.
The fact remains however that whatever treatment you have is never a guaranteed cure because the cancer can come back, even after surgery.
Every man over 70 is believed to have prostate cancer. It might be slow growing by then but any number of other diseases can start to kill you.

Quote what I have posted on this thread is "rammel".

 

[Tashyboy]

Because if the doctor detects a lump, it could mean a tumour.
What is it you don't understand about that?

I can now see why the medical professionals throw their hand up in despair at all the misinformation that it is out there, and there is enough here.
I have survived this disease now since at least going back to July 2007 when I entered the system.
I can trace it back months earlier to the well known symptom of not being able to empty my bladder.
I have been through many PSA tests, rectal finger tests, 3 rectal biopsies, MRI scans, full body scans, CT scan, hormone therapy and radiotherapy.
Initially I was diagnosed as Stage 4 because it had gone into my bone.
No treatment now for over 12 years. Survival over 10 years after treatment with no further is considered good.
You are never quite out of the woods with this.

Then I've heard such rubbish as why would you bother with all those sessions of radiotherapy when it can only keep you alive for another few months.
The fact remains however that whatever treatment you have is never a guaranteed cure because the cancer can come back, even after surgery.
Every man over 70 is believed to have prostate cancer. It might be slow growing by then but any number of other diseases can start to kill you.

Quote what I have posted on this thread is "rammel".

That why right there. You quote Ethan’s post why bother ?That’s why you bother. But like I said. I think you knew that.

 

[Ethan]

An interesting read from @Ethan as I'm currently taking part in a trial with regard to breast cancer screening. It is examining whether a more personalised screening frequency, based upon risk, is more effective than the current system. I was selected for the Personalised Screening group and assessed to be at high risk of developing breast cancer so currently have an annual mammogram.

https://www.mypebs.eu/the-project/

Interesting. The thing with screening is that the return improves if you enrich the sample for more likely cases. The problem is kinda a mathematical one, since cancer is still relatively uncommon in any given sample at a given time, it follows that a lot more non-cancer patients will be incorrectly identified as cases than true cancer cases identified, so a lot of people have unnecessary investigations. So anything that filters people better, family history, certain genetics, symptoms, helps identify those who will benefit. The second problem is that some of the cancers identified do not need aggressive treatment. That sounds counter-intuitive but with both prostate and breast cancer, a number of the tumours develop very slowly, over decades, and will be unlikely to shorten the person's life. Better identifying which fall into this category is also important.

 

[chrisd]

Like Billysboots I had prostate cancer diagnosed 6 years ago. I had the same symptoms as the original poster and 2 years ago in the coming February I had my prostate removed and now my PSA readings have been "non detectable" which is the best it can be.

I first had the routine finger test after peeing too frequently at night and things moved on from there, so, whilst that test isn't necessarily going to prove you have cancer of the prostate it will get you on the cancer pathway. If it's suspected that you have, it should be quickly followed up with biopsies and then you're on the way to whatever the hospital decide to do.

I was under observation for 4 years and then another bout of biopsies proved I had another,more aggressive cancer cell and 2 months later they operated and removed the prostate.

It all started by going for a routine test at the doctor's - please insist on a test !

 

[AmandaJR]

Interesting. The thing with screening is that the return improves if you enrich the sample for more likely cases. The problem is kinda a mathematical one, since cancer is still relatively uncommon in any given sample at a given time, it follows that a lot more non-cancer patients will be incorrectly identified as cases than true cancer cases identified, so a lot of people have unnecessary investigations. So anything that filters people better, family history, certain genetics, symptoms, helps identify those who will benefit. The second problem is that some of the cancers identified do not need aggressive treatment. That sounds counter-intuitive but with both prostate and breast cancer, a number of the tumours develop very slowly, over decades, and will be unlikely to shorten the person's life. Better identifying which fall into this category is also important.

I did think they'd assess risk by genetics (my Mum died of breast cancer pre-menopause) but it was via a saliva sample.

A friend of mine had a very small lump detected at mammogram. Lumpectomy and radiotherapy plus Tamoxifen. In hindsight she wishes she'd played a wait and see approach and feels the treatment protocol was too soon for something which may have been "indolent" (I think that's the term you used).

 

[stefanovic]

Every man over 50 should consider Prostate Cancer to be on their list of specialist subjects.
Attention also needs to be paid to others.

Top 10 Cancers Causing Death in Men

Lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers lead the list of the top 10 fatal cancers in men. Learn why and what other cancers round out this list.

www.verywellhealth.com

 

[Ethan]

I did think they'd assess risk by genetics (my Mum died of breast cancer pre-menopause) but it was via a saliva sample.

A friend of mine had a very small lump detected at mammogram. Lumpectomy and radiotherapy plus Tamoxifen. In hindsight she wishes she'd played a wait and see approach and feels the treatment protocol was too soon for something which may have been "indolent" (I think that's the term you used).

One thing worth bearing in mind is that because breast cancer is so common (as are some other cancers), a family history is also common. In some cases, it is just a coincidence that a family member got it, in others there is a genetic link. The saliva sample you gave should be enough for genetic testing, and that will be tested for certain well know mutations that affect risk.

It is very understandable if you are told you have a cancer to want it removed. I think most of us would make that choice.

 

[AmandaJR]

One thing worth bearing in mind is that because breast cancer is so common (as are some other cancers), a family history is also common. In some cases, it is just a coincidence that a family member got it, in others there is a genetic link. The saliva sample you gave should be enough for genetic testing, and that will be tested for certain well know mutations that affect risk.

It is very understandable if you are told you have a cancer to want it removed. I think most of us would make that choice.

Some time back I went through a genetic screening and came out as only slightly above the population average. The fact my Mum died young was offset by her sister living to a ripe old age cancer-free plus my older sisters not having early breast cancer.

 

[chrisd]

Just thought I'd revive this thread as I had my latest blood test for PSA results today. As has been the case since my prostate surgery 2 years ago come February, I'm so pleased that the results are " non detectable" again. I will have one more test in March and if that returns the same result I will be referred back to my doctors surgery for future ongoing tests.

Now the boring bit, please if you have any symptoms of prostate issues, wee too often, struggle to wee etc etc please please ask your doctor to do some tests. If you're like me, I'd rather have a finger test than die of cancer and, at present, too many men do die, when they don't need to. This particularly is vital if you're black, as the death rate is much higher than white mens - it is ridiculously high, also, you're more at risk if there's prostate cancer in the family. There are several ways to deal with prostate issues - I had mine removed robotically and was back playing golf after about 8 weeks and, whilst something else might get me - prostate cancer wont!

Please don't ignore any signs and thanks for reading this

 

[Billysboots]

Just thought I'd revive this thread as I had my latest blood test for PSA results today. As has been the case since my prostate surgery 2 years ago come February, I'm so pleased that the results are " non detectable" again. I will have one more test in March and if that returns the same result I will be referred back to my doctors surgery for future ongoing tests.

Now the boring bit, please if you have any symptoms of prostate issues, wee too often, struggle to wee etc etc please please ask your doctor to do some tests. If you're like me, I'd rather have a finger test than die of cancer and, at present, too many men do die, when they don't need to. This particularly is vital if you're black, as the death rate is much higher than white mens - it is ridiculously high, also, you're more at risk if there's prostate cancer in the family. There are several ways to deal with prostate issues - I had mine removed robotically and was back playing golf after about 8 weeks and, whilst something else might get me - prostate cancer wont!

Please don't ignore any signs and thanks for reading this

Fabulous news Chris - a great Christmas present!

I’m due my next check early in the New Year - always a worrying few days waiting for the results, so I’m delighted yours are good again.

And do as Chris says, fellas. Seriously.

 

[chrisd]

Cheers for your kind words, I hope that your results are the same

 

[Tashyboy]

Cheers for your kind words, I hope that your results are the same

A very good post indeed Chris, when I was going through all the shenanigans of prostate biopsy’s etc. Missis T mentioned that the “ gene” that carries prostate cancer that is linked to hereditary, is more or less the same Gene that is linked to family Breast cancer For ladies. So even if there is a family history of prostate cancer ladies need to be aware.
That aside looking forward to your post in “ what are you drinking tonight” thread because me finks you deserve one

 

[chrisd]

A very good post indeed Chris, when I was going through all the shenanigans of prostate biopsy’s etc. Missis T mentioned that the “ gene” that carries prostate cancer that is linked to hereditary, is more or less the same Gene that is linked to family Breast cancer For ladies. So even if there is a family history of prostate cancer ladies need to be aware.
That aside looking forward to your post in “ what are you drinking tonight” thread because me finks you deserve one

I wasn't aware of any link between prostate or breast cancer but great that Misses T has highlighted it

So a little earlier had a small Bailey's and just starting a nice glass of port, with a raising of the glass to cheer all the people who have helped me since my original diagnosis some 6, or so, years back

 

[Golfmmad]

I wasn't aware of any link between prostate or breast cancer but great that Misses T has highlighted it

So a little earlier had a small Bailey's and just starting a nice glass of port, with a raising of the glass to cheer all the people who have helped me since my original diagnosis some 6, or so, years back

Cheers Chris Great news by the way.

A little update on my journey:

After surgery 13years ago I had to undergo radiotherapy to mop up any cancer cells after prostate was removed. This is called Salvage Radiotherapy which was one year after surgery.

I was offered to go on a trial just to monitor my PSA after SR. It was to help Cancer UK to build up a picture of patients PSA levels after SR, which I was happy to oblige.
It also meant that my PSA was checked 6 monthly rather than yearly, also good for me.
My levels have slowly increased and the last two were 0.43. It's not particularly concerning and my oncology team said that if and when the level reaches one and above then there would be more treatment available.

I don't worry myself too much about this especially as the last two levels were the same and hovering around the 40mark.

Lastly to echo what others have said, if you're at all concerned, get yourself tested.

 

[williamalex1]

Had a phone call on the course today. From the consultant that did the prostate biopsy’. He once more said “it’s all clear and now I have peace of mind”. I couldn’t of put it better.

Brilliant news Tash, so you wont be posting as much piss now

 

[IanM]

I was 60 last month, I've never had a test of any sort. My GP website has a miriad of clinics and tests for women, but not a single thing for blokes.

Maybe I need to change GP?