Submitted by Linda Kottis (not verified) on Wed, 2011-10-26 20:03
Neighborhood/City:
Naperville (Suburbs)
yes, I think regular screenings are beneficial. I was upset to hear recently that there had been a recommendation not to do them. A few years ago, my father, then in his early eighties, asked for a PSA test. His doctor said "What do you want that for?" My father's brother had been diagnosed a few years before and treated successfully. So the doctor administered the PSA test. The next day the doctor called my father and said "We have a problem..." My dad's PSA was over 300 and he had one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Thank God they found it before it had spread; he was treated successfully and is doing fine now. Without this PSA test, he probably would not be with us today, and I don't want that result for anyone. I have no doubt that it saved his life.
Submitted by George Young (not verified) on Thu, 2011-10-27 00:46
Neighborhood/City:
North Park (Chicago)
Eliminating PSA screening for prostate cancer detection would be an incredible step backward, condemning many thousands of men to prolonged suffering and painful deaths after their cancers were discovered "too late". Yes, I'm living with some of the side effects of surgery, having decided my prostate would be removed following cancer detection based on PSA screening. If left untreated into the future, I may or may not have died from this cancer as did my 89 year-old grandfather, but as a result of PSA screening I'm glad I became equipped with the knowledge to balance the risks and assess treatment options with a mind to accepting the range of outcomes. The absolute worst case is to be blinded to the possible existence of such a problem, particularly when driven by recommendations coming out of government sponsored panels only interested in making value judgements for the population as a whole.
Submitted by Jim McGovern (not verified) on Thu, 2011-10-27 11:52
Neighborhood/City:
Edison Park (Chicago)
16 years ago I had heard about Prostate cancer and the PSA tests. When I was in my doctor's office for my annual checkup, I inquired about getting tested. The nurse replied that it was "awfully expensive" and I was so young. I was 59. The next year went by, and I had read a lot more on the subject. That time I insisted on the PSA test. It was over 10. Further tests, including biopsies determined that I had what eventually proved to be a very aggressive form of Prostate Cancer. I switched doctors and hospitals. Today, 15 years later, my cancer appears "undetectable", but I still get tested every year.
It is utterly foolish not to have both a digital rectal exam and a PSA test. If there is anything pointing to the possibility of Prostate Cancer, then further discussion with your doctor can determine the next move. Just because you tested positive does not mean you "must" undergo needles treatments. Have a meaningful discussion with your doctor. Get a second opinion. If you are not satisfied, get a third opinion. Get a different doctor. It's your life.
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prostate cancer screenings
yes, I think regular screenings are beneficial. I was upset to hear recently that there had been a recommendation not to do them. A few years ago, my father, then in his early eighties, asked for a PSA test. His doctor said "What do you want that for?" My father's brother had been diagnosed a few years before and treated successfully. So the doctor administered the PSA test. The next day the doctor called my father and said "We have a problem..." My dad's PSA was over 300 and he had one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Thank God they found it before it had spread; he was treated successfully and is doing fine now. Without this PSA test, he probably would not be with us today, and I don't want that result for anyone. I have no doubt that it saved his life.
Prostate cancer screening
Eliminating PSA screening for prostate cancer detection would be an incredible step backward, condemning many thousands of men to prolonged suffering and painful deaths after their cancers were discovered "too late". Yes, I'm living with some of the side effects of surgery, having decided my prostate would be removed following cancer detection based on PSA screening. If left untreated into the future, I may or may not have died from this cancer as did my 89 year-old grandfather, but as a result of PSA screening I'm glad I became equipped with the knowledge to balance the risks and assess treatment options with a mind to accepting the range of outcomes. The absolute worst case is to be blinded to the possible existence of such a problem, particularly when driven by recommendations coming out of government sponsored panels only interested in making value judgements for the population as a whole.
PSA testing
16 years ago I had heard about Prostate cancer and the PSA tests. When I was in my doctor's office for my annual checkup, I inquired about getting tested. The nurse replied that it was "awfully expensive" and I was so young. I was 59. The next year went by, and I had read a lot more on the subject. That time I insisted on the PSA test. It was over 10. Further tests, including biopsies determined that I had what eventually proved to be a very aggressive form of Prostate Cancer. I switched doctors and hospitals. Today, 15 years later, my cancer appears "undetectable", but I still get tested every year.
It is utterly foolish not to have both a digital rectal exam and a PSA test. If there is anything pointing to the possibility of Prostate Cancer, then further discussion with your doctor can determine the next move. Just because you tested positive does not mean you "must" undergo needles treatments. Have a meaningful discussion with your doctor. Get a second opinion. If you are not satisfied, get a third opinion. Get a different doctor. It's your life.
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