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What is "Normal" PSA?

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Posted 12/10/2010 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Since my PCa reared its ugly head I feel strangely responsible to alert male family and friends of this sickness. Most men I alerted took it to heart and had a PSA test done. Others shrug it off and yet one or two simply tell me that they know their PSA is "normal". When I inquired with one of them he said it is 3.7 and always has been.

Anyone have some background or advice on this? My guess it is different for folks?
Posted 12/10/2010 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I think the important fact is if the PSA had a sudden jump. Mine jumped from 3.5 to 4.7 in 1 year and Dr said go to Uro. My GP said he has seen men with a 2.0 that had PCa. If the PSA is not moving that is always a good sign.

Just my thoughts Im not a Dr and not in the medical field.

Cajun Jeff
Posted 12/10/2010 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Read up on age specific PSA. PSA can and does change as one ages. A jump of .4/yr should raise a flag. Catalona's website has some very good information on this.
Posted 12/10/2010 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
PSA velocity is a good indicator that there may be a problem. I had prostate cancer with a PSA of 2.5, which was a four-fold increase over the previous year's result. This underscores the advisability of getting a baseline PSA early (at the latest by age 40 or earlier for those with a family history of PCa or ethnic susceptiblity to PCa). Baseline PSAs are usually followed up by annual screening for PSA and a DRE. I've seen PCa numbers at another web site with PSAs below 2.0, who had cancer.

I feel lucky that because of regular screening my cancer was caught at an early stage when every option was open to me, including AS. I had plenty of time to research options, get medical opinions, read books and let the diagnosis settle mentally without jumping to hasty decisions. By the time I had surgery six months after the process started, I was comfortable with my choice of treatment.
Posted 12/11/2010 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
It has been natural to me in advising my friends to have a PSA test, since been diagnosed with PCa in 2000. Some rejected (my elder brother) and some did the test, two of them were caught with the cancer and are now on a continuous battle similar to my case of treatments and side effects. I feel guilty for their status when comparing with the quality of life of the ones that rejected the test at first place. These guys may have no cancer or have it but surely they are enjoying the days better than us, free of worries, pains or else.
I stop recommending PSA tests to the ones over 55, because if they are positive chances are that it is already late for a complete recovery to the natural.
It is really difficult to draw a line.

Baptista
Posted 12/11/2010 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I once read, don't have the reference anymore, that for a real large number of men, I think it was over 100,000, their average PSA was 1.06. Depending on age: the 40-year old ones had 0.7, and for 70-year olds this average value increased to 1.4.
Posted 12/11/2010 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
"I stop recommending PSA tests to the ones over 55, because if they are positive chances are that it is already late for a complete recovery to the natural."
shakehead

Baptista

 I am outraged that you believe you should be the one that decides the fate of those over 55, just because if they are positive, there might be a problem.  I believe it is our calling, as PC survivors, to help our brotherhood protect themselves and their family, from becoming a victim of a very destructive and painful outcome.  Early detection is the key to life.  Wouldn't you want your wife or daughter to be tested for detection of Breast Cancer, even thought it might result in surgery in order to save her life?  Does that mean her QOL should be any different to a loving family, because she is not "natural"?  Hogwash, I see no difference between the two.

As an active member of the Wichita Chapter of UsTOO, (a Prostate Cancer support group) I am proud to support the fact that early detection, using PSA and DRE can and will save thousands of lives.

Posted 12/12/2010 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Putt,
You are right in regards to my will of wanting to help the others for an earlier check-up. I always did that. However, after seeing so many guys caught with the problem just because of a PSA, I start to believe that what we should interpret as "earlier" is for guys in their 40th. Pass mid-50th it seems that the world "earlier" looks more like "too late", which has been the case to us.
Once at that age (over 55) man should prepare themselves for the consequences of a positive result of a PSA, before taking it. For example getting an insurance to cover any needed treatment and discuss with family members about the pros and cons. This is difficult for any guy to discuss with a friend and it may cause ambiguity between the two.
I appreciate the work you are doing. For me it brings me guilt feelings if a friend gets the "too late" term.

Take care
Baptista
Posted 12/12/2010 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
"I stop recommending PSA tests to the ones over 55, because if they are positive chances are that it is already late for a complete recovery to the natural."
shakehead
Baptista

Well, I got my PC Dx just this year at age 73 and I sure don't feel that it's "too late" for this old coot to recover or I wouldn't have gone through the brachy procedure. Of course my general health is still very good for my age. You older, much more mature guys who are also in my age bracket should should NOT consider yourselves in the position of being "too late".
Posted 12/12/2010 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
The words "too early" or "too late" should never be used in regard to the Dx and/or treatment of PC. A DRE, PSA and GS numbers are most commonly used to determine our status, which in turn should help determine the best treatment. Best treatment and when to treat should be the individuals choice, after careful study. Knowledge is our only tool in order to not be led down a path of life long regret. No matter what the age of the individual, once the choice has been made, you move on, make adjustments, and be thankful you have years, and/or decades to enjoy life.

My answer to the original question of this topic would be, you must have a starting point in which to reference future readings. The key is what is going on down the road after a base line test. Don't get hung up on levels of the first test.
Posted 12/13/2010 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses!

I also did some research outside of HW and found that my friend is within the "normal" limits. This is 3.7 for a 50 year old. He also has been holding at 3.7 for several years. Although he was very surprised at my having PCa, he did immediately have himself checked. It came back 3.7.

I was just concerned for him.
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