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And now…a manly health topic: a PSA on PSAs
And now…a manly health topic: a PSA on PSAs
A what on what?
If the ladies can discuss perimenopause, consider this a friendly PSA (Public Service Announcement) on PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing for the men.
Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer for men - - 186,000 will be diagnosed with it this year. The PSA test is one of those tests they recommend all men start getting when you turn 50. It’s a blood test - just another box to check off on the form when they draw blood to check your cholesterol etc. Pending additional study, the baseline age may even be lowered to 45, and it is prudent to start younger if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family.
And although PSA levels do tend to rise slowly with age, in addition to the “above normal” number of 4.0 ng/mL, pay attention to the rate of rise over time. That’s something they call “velocity” that a GP could overlook. If your number doubles over 3-4 years but is still under 4.0, it may warrant consultation with a urologist who can run additional tests such as the “free PSA” and the “PCA3” tests before even thinking about a biopsy. So, get a copy of your test results to keep track over time. Just don’t accept a call from the office saying “all results are in the normal range”. And find a doctor with skinny fingers (sorry – couldn’t resist!).
That said, the PSA test has limitations, and, because prostate cancer is typically a very slow growing cancer, PSA testing has been criticized for triggering tests and treatments that have significant risks, especially in older men where “watchful waiting” (i.e. frequent monitoring) may be a more viable option for those diagnosed with the disease. It is by no means clear cut. Everybody’s physiology and psychology is different. All you can do is ask better questions when discussing with your doctor.
More information here: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/fact ... ection/PSA
If the ladies can discuss perimenopause, consider this a friendly PSA (Public Service Announcement) on PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing for the men.
Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer for men - - 186,000 will be diagnosed with it this year. The PSA test is one of those tests they recommend all men start getting when you turn 50. It’s a blood test - just another box to check off on the form when they draw blood to check your cholesterol etc. Pending additional study, the baseline age may even be lowered to 45, and it is prudent to start younger if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family.
And although PSA levels do tend to rise slowly with age, in addition to the “above normal” number of 4.0 ng/mL, pay attention to the rate of rise over time. That’s something they call “velocity” that a GP could overlook. If your number doubles over 3-4 years but is still under 4.0, it may warrant consultation with a urologist who can run additional tests such as the “free PSA” and the “PCA3” tests before even thinking about a biopsy. So, get a copy of your test results to keep track over time. Just don’t accept a call from the office saying “all results are in the normal range”. And find a doctor with skinny fingers (sorry – couldn’t resist!).
That said, the PSA test has limitations, and, because prostate cancer is typically a very slow growing cancer, PSA testing has been criticized for triggering tests and treatments that have significant risks, especially in older men where “watchful waiting” (i.e. frequent monitoring) may be a more viable option for those diagnosed with the disease. It is by no means clear cut. Everybody’s physiology and psychology is different. All you can do is ask better questions when discussing with your doctor.
More information here: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/fact ... ection/PSA
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
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michigancouple
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