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PSA and young people

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Posted 10/16/2018 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
My son had his first PSA last year, it was .6. This year it’s .86. He’s 38.

Any concern? Uro told him nothing to be concerned about it goes up as you get older, and he’s not concerned unless he sees a jump of .5 in a year or less, based on his age.

I should know this, but my PSA was .7 when I was 50, and did a slow rise over 10 years.
My son getting this disease at a young age, is probably my worst nightmare, biggest fear.
Posted 10/17/2018 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Seems high for his age, and assuming 12 months between this year and last year, that's about a .25 rise, which is probably steep for someone his age. As you know, I lost valuable time when my Uro told me that my PSA was "nothing to be concerned about" (do they teach this phrase in medical school?)

I have told my sons - 30 and 32 - to get their PSA tested starting in their 40's. I hope they listened, and I understand your fears. If your son's keeps rising at that rate you might suggest he see a different urologist... not that it would yield anything different, but just so the bases are covered.

You can't push a string.
Posted 10/17/2018 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Since a 2.5 in your 40's is considered normal I would not be concerned. In 6 years when my son is 38 ask me again if I'm concerned.
Posted 10/17/2018 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you've got a smart URO there.

Remember the PSA should be in a ratio with the prostate size so as it grows the the PSA will grow.

Hopefully it will bypass him.

Andrew
Posted 10/17/2018 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
If I could, I'd just "like" Andrew's reply. Your son's doc is spot on.
Posted 10/17/2018 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
But isn't the speed of increase that is most important as opposed to the actual number?
I've seen lots of guys with PSA's in the upper 3's and 4's with PCa or was I dreaming?
Roger
Posted 10/17/2018 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
And so it goes>>>>>>>>>>
Posted 10/17/2018 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses. I certainly wouldn’t want him having a biopsy at this level, so I guess nothing to do but wait a year.
Posted 10/17/2018 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Waiting is the hardest thing to do.

In the mean time - live life.
Posted 10/17/2018 12:35 PM (GMT 0)
His PSA is pretty low, but I understand that its always a concern for a dad and his sons. I was diagnosed at 47 and I have three young sons. I'm hoping that treatment will take a quantum leap forward before any of them are at risk, but I know that their chances are much greater simply because I had it at such a young age.
Posted 10/17/2018 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Prato,

Regardless of age I'd pay attention to the doubling speed.
It's .86 now, right?
If next year it's 1.7 or higher, that's fast and should be looked at.

My doubling speed early on when I was 51 to 53 was about 6 months. Now it's about 2 months.
Posted 10/17/2018 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Mid 2's in the low 40s is NOT normal...

I had a 2.1 @ 42 and then 2.7 @ 44...A prostate typically isn't growing that quickly as you approach 40 to cause increases of 0.2+ per year in the absense of an infection or other cause. I don't think he should be overly concerned but it's definitely something to keep an eye on and I wouldn't miss any annual tests either. If the trend continues, then further investigation may be warranted.
Posted 10/17/2018 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Your son is at a distinct advantage because of your knowledge. I would encourage him to keep it monitored, and educate him should he develop PCa. Things like AS and avoiding over treatment.

Most of us get PCa at some point, might as well be prepared.
Posted 10/17/2018 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all, and yes, I agree it should be watched. No concern I guess for now, but he knows he needs to be vigilant. He’s already made his appointment for next year.
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