Comments on: The PSA Test Is Dead!

By: Richard Guenette

Richard Guenette — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:04:35 +0000

There’s enough data and facts in the medical world to advise the patient of what his next steps are when a PSA monitoring or screening is conducted. When the numbers indicate something out of the “norm” for that age group and when a biopsy then shows signs of cancer when all other tests (DRE) do not, isn’t it conclusive that PSA screening is a blessing? If an abnormality is felt or found during a DRE, then the cancer is farther along than it needed to be. The earlier you can catch it, the better decisions you can make. At 54, I had a radical prostatectomy and then after it was analyzed, cancer showed 1 step higher in the grading system from the biopsy. Again, general rule of thumb and true in my case. I can not understand how the medical community can recommend to not conduct PSA testing. I started at 50 with one PSA test then when something indicated an abnormal trend, another PSA was done for further analysis. Free PSA needs to be done along with Total PSA when a Dr starts “suspecting” an abnormal trend.
I can’t urge men enough about the need to be screened early. It at least gives your Dr a referrence so when something does occur, comparisons can be made and a history has been documented.

By: ProfKeith

ProfKeith — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:31:45 +0000

In reply to terrence.

Not true that all get it. But it’s common and slow, as you say.
But once it breaks out (Stage IV) is as deadly as any other.
Prof.

By: terrence

terrence — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:06:35 +0000

I have read many doctors who say that all men get Prostrate Cancer; but the vast majority die of other causes. It is one of the slowest growing cancer known.

By: Susan Murphy

Susan Murphy — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 02:12:45 +0000

My uncle at age 41 was saved by this test. His biopsie was positive for cancer. It was caught in time to save his life.

I tried to sign up for your e-mails but my e-mail address (2) were not accepted.

By: ProfKeith

ProfKeith — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:10:38 +0000

In reply to Joe Dagati.

Can’t comment for you or John Elias. I don’t know what else was done.
Most prostate cancers come to light through symptoms, not this test.
I imagine it will continue to be done for people who clearly have a problem. Just not a good screening tool, that’s all.

By: Joe Dagati

Joe Dagati — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:30:58 +0000

So tell me how do you follow someone cancer who has already been diagnosed. I had surgery in 2004. PSA started rising in 2007 indicating a return of the disease. How would I have know??????????????

By: JOHN ELIAS

JOHN ELIAS — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:16:27 +0000

Perhaps it is the interpretation of the PSA readings that is critical

mine had jumped from 5.6 to 7.2 in less than a year at the age of 59

3 Consultants in the UK were not alarmed and told me not to worry

My Urologist in South Africa however was more experienced and discovered a tumour and saved my life