This doesn't speak well for delayed diagnosis and treatments

Well it does not speak of prostate cancer at all but stresses early detection and treatment. That is in conflict about not wanting to push PSA test in my opinion. I think they are right. Why not find out early.

Cajun Jeff

I agree completely. I still believe in the old standard, of all men getting PSA tested starting at age 50, and earlier if they are African-American, or have a family history of prostate cancer. Once tested, and once diagnosed, then depending on the stats and other medical circumstances, the full range of treatments should be reviewed, patient by patient - ranging from AS, if appropriate, and including all the normal primary treatments we discuss here. I can't think of a single, good reason, not to test men for PC. Can't be cost, as we are talking about a simple blood test, not something expensive like a MRI, etc.

David in SC

Squirm, I think you were a wise man for starting at age 37. My two boys promised to get a base line PSA no later than age 35 just to be on the safe side. Surprised your GP took that attitude. My GP doesnt like to take any risk or chances.

Steve, they must believe in Time Travel over there, perhaps, lol. Nice accurate news reporting.

Squirm,

I am glad you took it upon yourself to get the PSA, despite your GP not recommending it. I am surprised your GP won't do the DRE. Seems unusual. I have had 3 different GPs in the last 10-12 years and all of them did the DRE.

Dan

Steve,

I suspect that:

For breast cancer, for example, about 82 percent of women in the U.K. and Denmark were alive five years after being diagnosed in 2007.

 

Might  have been meant to say:

For breast cancer, for example, in 2007 about 82 percent of women in the U.K. and Denmark were alive five years after being diagnosed.

 

Just a thought, since the data was said to be up through 2007 ??

I had regular PSAs and DREs beginning at age 40.  For purposes of full disclosure I do not have a family history of prostate cancer nor am I of African descent.  The PSAs were all low until the spike that initiated the biopsies, that diagnosed the PCa, that started the treatment.  I have never had any urological problems prior to the PCa.

April6th said...
Squirm,

I am glad you took it upon yourself to get the PSA, despite your GP not recommending it. I am surprised your GP won't do the DRE. Seems unusual. I have had 3 different GPs in the last 10-12 years and all of them did the DRE.

Dan

 

Particularly as it is a 'chargeable procedure'.  Took me a while to figure out why every MD wanted to 'feel for themselves' in the couple of months it took to decide on treatment after Dx -- $75 for a 10 second squeeze.

BTW, not a single MD felt anything on any of my many DRE's.

My previous GP use to do the DRE when I got the PSA results back. Earlier this month I had my blood drawn for my PSA. Today I went to my GP to get my PSA result (0.7) and have him check me out for the flu. Still no DRE from him. I figure I'll press him for the DRE when I turn 45.

Although, I've read the best person to do the DRE isn't a GP, but a urologist. I've also read (Berkeley Health Newsletter) some positions are better then others. Standing up and bending forward isn't as good as laying on your side.

Post Edited (Squirm) : 12/22/2010 4:29:19 PM (GMT-7)