Just out of Curiosity - Let's Talk Numbers - Age Related

I'm not a numbers girl in any way but I would be interested to know this.

We've had several newcomers to the site who are well under the age of 50.  Given that most doctors do not routinely screen for prostate cancer until the age of 50 I'd like to know where you fall in respect of the average.

My husband, too, was well under 50 when diagnosed at the age of 44 - no signs, no symptoms and his cancer would have gone undetected for 6 years if our doctor had followed the "normal" testing age.  Like many who are in the under 50 category, we have heard "you're too young", "We're not used to seeing patients your age", "what are you doing here - we don't usually do this test on men your age" ... Maybe it's time to change the "normal" testing age - sad I know but if it can save a life, I say it's time to review and change standard practices ...

Since women don't like to tell their age, I won't ask you guys to give it up either.  So, were you:

Under 40

50-59

60-69

70 plus

Knowing what I know now, I don't think I'll be surprised by the varying ages on this forum.  Good wishes to each and everyone one of us that is travelling this bumpy road.

 

I am age 61 at diagnosis.  I had been getting PSA tests since age 50.  It just wasn't on my radar before that.

JustJulie,

The earliest that I have data from is 1997 when I was 50 (PSA 0.94) .  Working in the chemical industry and a volunteer fireman, we were given complete physicals every year and I know that I had a DRE every time going back to 1980.  (We had a Dr. in the plant that was 6'4" 300 lbs. and we always felt that he used the finger that had his college ring on it.)

My Uncle and father both had PCa.  My father was diagnosed @ 80 y.o.  and had seeds, external beam and finally HT.  He is now 87 and PSA is undectable.    After he found out that he had PCa, he bugged me constantly about staying on top of the PSA test.

Wow!

Look at the number of men diagnosed UNDER the 50 marker.  My husband and I are now encouraging all our friends to insist on a PSA test - even if you have to pay for it - I think your life is worth the $30 cost.  I was amazed at the number of men who have never been for a physical and have no idea about prostate cancer ...

Knowledge is power - spread some!

Hi JustJulie,

I live in B.C., Canada, and PSA testing is not even part of our medical system unless there is a medical reason for testing (age is not one of them). Since patients, if the want the test done, have to pay for it  themselves (about $30.00), many men don't bother until it's to late. Hopefully, this will change soon. For my age, see below.

Wishing you and your husband well.

Magaboo

My husband was 51 and only found the cancer cause the doctor did a routine PSA. He was given antibiotics for 2 months and then immediatly sent to an urologist when the numbers wouldn't go down. I remember thinking a few years ago... "he shouldn't have to get that test till he is 50 because thats what they say to do". He had so signs, symtoms or known family history. I tell everyone I talk to about it that they need the blood test done.

They also used to use a PSA threshold of 4 before the docs got further into it. Now, a PSA of 2.5 starts to pique their interest, as well it should.

-Les

My husband was 59 at diagnosis, but his PSA had been rising for a couple years and I'm certain that if he had undergone a biopsy his condition probably would have been caught sooner.  I'm amazed at the guys whose urologists had them biopsied with PSAs in the 2 range.  While no one wants to have this condition, catching it when it is fully contained and in a low percentage seem way preferable.  We've put out the word on PSA tests to all our family and friends.  I'm not shy about asking guys if they've had the test.

My husband was 49 yrs exactly Julie, however on doing some personal research we discovered a test had been taken 5 years earlier by another family doc, but husband did not know it was taken or the results at the time. It was 2.1 when he was 43, and was he diagnosed through routine PSA of 3.5 (leading to biopsy) at 48 years in an annual check 5 years later - no symptoms at anytime. No family history.

From what we can see, and from our experience, the evidence points to the definite need for ALL men - globally - to be recommended to start PSA testing at age 40. cheers, Lana

Age 57 now, was 56 when diagnosed.

PSA annually since age 49 or 50.

DREs since age 43 or 44, when I began annual physicals....occasionally before then.

My GP started checking my PSA somewhere in my mid 40's I think. He started earlier than normal because I am adopted and have no family history. The PSA test revealed my PC when I was 48.

Diagnosed at 53...first PSA at 52, I think. And kudos to those Liberal clowns for finally covering the test. Now if we can get vision testing covered by OHIP again...

Diagnosed at 42 (days after 42nd birthday), with a PSA of 219, bones mets and lymph node involvement. That was 38 months ago....and counting!