[Misc] Prostate Cancer

[TheJasperCo]

Good points, it’s not just about PC but I guess they used to say the same about breast cancer before they introduced screening - but prostate cancer now kills more men than breast cancer kills women.

There are only three cancers for which regular, routine screening is carried out: breast, bowel and cervical. As someone close to the research side of things, it's understandable to want near-universal screening for every cancer type. Unfortunately there's factors at play that make it difficult to do for tumours such as lung and prostate. Chief among these is the inherent need for a minimal rate of false positive/negative (FP/FN) results. Alongside reliability, comes cost - which is naturally important for NICE to consider. Do the potential costs incurred by rolling out a screening programme outweigh the cost savings with early diagnosis?

In fact there an excellent CRUK link HERE for you to peruse if you're interested in the subject in more detail.

 

[ferring seagull]

My post wasn't meant to demean the seriousness of prostate cancer nor those that might have it, it was more a thought on how we can sometimes focus on one aspect of our health whilst disregarding another.

For the record the 'some sort of test at the local youth club' was run by Prostate Cancer UK, I dont think it was a prank, I am pretty sure the tests and testers were bona fide !

Thanks for your post. They do keep saying nowadays that Prostate Cancer is now the biggest 'male' cancer killer.

Worrying times when the NHS has a serious funding problem.

I am just getting over two malignant melanomas and all of these things do focus the mind.

 

[dazzer6666]

There are only three cancers for which regular, routine screening is carried out: breast, bowel and cervical. As someone close to the research side of things, it's understandable to want near-universal screening for every cancer type. Unfortunately there's factors at play that make it difficult to do for tumours such as lung and prostate. Chief among these is the inherent need for a minimal rate of false positive/negative (FP/FN) results. Alongside reliability, comes cost - which is naturally important for NICE to consider. Do the potential costs incurred by rolling out a screening programme outweigh the cost savings with early diagnosis?

In fact there an excellent CRUK link HERE for you to peruse if you're interested in the subject in more detail.

Thanks for that, will have a read. My cousin is heavily involved in oncology research (last time we met she was ranting about funding cuts - her team of 8 is now 2) and my daughter is planning to go that way once she's got a few years general nursing experience under her belt.

Sent from my E5823 using Tapatalk

 

[BigGully]

Thanks for your post. They do keep saying nowadays that Prostate Cancer is now the biggest 'male' cancer killer.

Worrying times when the NHS has a serious funding problem.

I am just getting over two malignant melanomas and all of these things do focus the mind.

I am not going to get into the political debate on the NHS, it just so happens that my family have had absolutely brilliant service from the NHS and I sincerley hope you too are receiving first class care for you malignant melanomas, all the very best.

Interestingly you too have made the mistake that my mate who initiated my ongoing PSA testing, prostate cancer comes behind lung and bowel in terms of cancer killers and someway behing heart disease.

 

[goldstone68]

Can't fault the NHS for what they have done for me, I was told I had prostate cancer about 9 years ago. The only signs I had was my flow slowed right down to almost a dribble, went to the Doc's had the digit test carried out and then I was refered to the hospital in a week for biopsies. Also a TURPS operation which is a rebore of the prostate enabling me to empty my bladder, needless to say the biopsies and scrappings from the operation were fully loaded with cancer. They could not remove the prostate because it was on the brink of breaking out, so after radiotherapy, hormone tablets and injections every 3 months complete with blood tests and recently liquid chemo tablets have been added to the mix. I am still here thanks to everyone involved in my treatment, still going to the Amex every home game can't do the away games because when I need to go to toilet I really need to go quickly, so travel can be a problem.

Thanks for bringing this subject up because I like many others thought nothing will get me as you just soldier on thinking it will get better soon and I must carry on working to bring home the wonga, as men we don't really talk about things so if you are in doubt go see your Doctor, the earlier you get seen the much better chance of a complete recovery there is and of course more options of treatment.

 

[sussex_guy2k2]

Maybe this has been answered already, but how frequently do you have to pee for it to be too frequently?

And another, probably ignorant question, but don't we all have cancerous cells? It's just a case of whether they grow into something life threatening?

 

[Daddies_Sauce]

Maybe this has been answered already, but how frequently do you have to pee for it to be too frequently?

When it impacts on your life (and sleep!), you cannot or do not feel 'empty' and keep going back to 'dribble'

And another, probably ignorant question, but don't we all have cancerous cells? It's just a case of whether they grow into something life threatening?

(i) Yes, (ii) Probably,(iii) A large number of men will have PC, but it is not aggressive and very very slow growing (if at all), something else will get them before Prostate Cancer.

I lost my dad just over 18 years ago now, I've been through the scare, had the biopsy's but I'm clear (Benign prostatic hypertrophy), my thoughts are with all those on this thread who are fighting it, I just need a bladder neck incision (that I'm putting off for now) and will think about it after our holiday.

I'd like to do one of the Prostate Cancer UK 'March for Men' events, but there do not appear to be any down here. And then in the news this evening, there may be some light starting to appear against this ******* Prostate Cancer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44343415

 

[Garage_Doors]

most ? doctors surgerys have a blood pressure machine there ,which you can check your own and get a printed read-out ,

I have never heard of that? Ours you have to see the doctor if you want your blood pressure checked.

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

Had my three month check today, PSA at 7 down from 9, still unsure whether that’s good or bad. Talk of what happens if PSA goes higher and they start to treat or move towards surgery. Another blood test and follow up in Aug.

 

[Dolph Ins]

Had my three month check today, PSA at 7 down from 9, still unsure whether that’s good or bad. Talk of what happens if PSA goes higher and they start to treat or move towards surgery. Another blood test and follow up in Aug.

Sorry I am not a doctor (if you want your lawn mowed I'm your man) but my PSA was 6.6 and I had full blown prostate cancer which they were worried might soon break out of my prostate. Talking to a bloke in his late 70's he has a PSA of 13 and they are telling him not to worry (he's a doctor so can probably make an informed decision). They could only confirm I had some sort of prostate cancer once I had had the MRI scan. I then had the biopsy to tell them what sort of prostate cancer it was (Gleeson 3;4).

So to give you the definitive answer to your question it is higher than mine (57) but lower than the doctor(late 70's). I don't know how old you are but that seems to change the way they think. To be honest (and I hate to do this as it is criticising the NHS, who have been bloody marvelous all through my 'adventure'), I suspect if I had been seen by my normal doctor (similar age to me) rather than a doctor fresh out of medical school I would be on the watch and wait list.

Like i said I am not a doctor!

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

Sorry I am not a doctor (if you want your lawn mowed I'm your man) but my PSA was 6.6 and I had full blown prostate cancer which they were worried might soon break out of my prostate. Talking to a bloke in his late 70's he has a PSA of 13 and they are telling him not to worry (he's a doctor so can probably make an informed decision). They could only confirm I had some sort of prostate cancer once I had had the MRI scan. I then had the biopsy to tell them what sort of prostate cancer it was (Gleeson 3;4).

So to give you the definitive answer to your question it is higher than mine (57) but lower than the doctor(late 70's). I don't know how old you are but that seems to change the way they think. To be honest (and I hate to do this as it is criticising the NHS, who have been bloody marvelous all through my 'adventure'), I suspect if I had been seen by my normal doctor (similar age to me) rather than a doctor fresh out of medical school I would be on the watch and wait list.

Like i said I am not a doctor!

Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Had an MRI and template biopsy and there is cancer there, albeit non-aggressive and in very low count?

They have suggested another blood test in three months and then we decide whether to watch, treat or surgery .... I trust their judgement BUT I'm just very nervous!

 

[Dolph Ins]

Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Had an MRI and template biopsy and there is cancer there, albeit non-aggressive and in very low count?

They have suggested another blood test in three months and then we decide whether to watch, treat or surgery .... I trust their judgement BUT I'm just very nervous!

My first thought when they sent me home with a cancer diagnosis and a leaflet to choose my next step from was watch and wait. The surgeon soon put me right on that. It is true that 80% (I think can't find the quote) of men have prostate cancer when they die, but few die of it. If I had had the biopsy and the MRI with a non aggressive, low count cancer I would definitely gone for watch and wait. 3 months sounds like a good gap, you don't want to worry more about your prostate than is good for your health. Your medical care to me (not a doctor) sounds like, with hindsight, I would be happy with. Most are slow moving and it took 5 months from first doctor to surgery for me (a lot worse cancer than yours sounds) to no detriment. Good luck and you can always pm me if I can help you more in a way you don't want NSC to know about.

 

[Tim Over Whelmed]

My first thought when they sent me home with a cancer diagnosis and a leaflet to choose my next step from was watch and wait. The surgeon soon put me right on that. It is true that 80% (I think can't find the quote) of men have prostate cancer when they die, but few die of it. If I had had the biopsy and the MRI with a non aggressive, low count cancer I would definitely gone for watch and wait. 3 months sounds like a good gap, you don't want to worry more about your prostate than is good for your health. Your medical care to me (not a doctor) sounds like, with hindsight, I would be happy with. Most are slow moving and it took 5 months from first doctor to surgery for me (a lot worse cancer than yours sounds) to no detriment. Good luck and you can always pm me if I can help you more in a way you don't want NSC to know about.

Thank you, I will if I want to share any changes / options, thanks again

 

[raymondo]

Thank you very much for this thread, and for all the responses and discussions. I am having a template biopsy on Monday, after an MRI scan showed an 'area of suspicion'. I am 63, PSA level 6.8, and showed just slight/few of the 'typical' symptoms.
Your thread has been enormously helpful, both in terms of information and emotional support. Thank you.

 

[portslade seagull]

Just tell them you suspect you might have cancer and want a test. Anything else is nothing to do with them.

My wife had a painful breast and was understandably worried. She phoned the doctor and the earliest she could get was 4 weeks. All done now and been for the mammogram. They think it's clear just waiting for confirmation. 4 weeks could make a big difference in some cases

 

[Thunder Bolt]

My wife had a painful breast and was understandably worried. She phoned the doctor and the earliest she could get was 4 weeks. All done now and been for the mammogram. They think it's clear just waiting for confirmation. 4 weeks could make a big difference in some cases

Change doctors. Ive never had to wait more than one day for any GP appointment.

 

[AmexRuislip]

This has been a great thread to read.
I recently had a blood test, which resulted in a high reading on PSA levels, together with blood found in a stool sample.
Now waiting for MRI and CT scan dates.
A whole load of emotions going through my head.
Just trying stay positive

 

[raymondo]

This has been a great thread to read.
I recently had a blood test, which resulted in a high reading on PSA levels, together with blood found in a stool sample.
Now waiting for MRI and CT scan dates.
A whole load of emotions going through my head.
Just trying stay positive

Yes, any abnormal PSA result is a worry, but the doctors say it's an indicator and not completely reliable. Try not to worry too much. I had a scan and biopsy 3 years back and was clear - now my 6 monthly PSA test has gone up again so I may need to go through the process again. I know it's not great (I certainly worry too) but the NHS specialists seem pretty 'on it' now.
Good luck for a decent result.

 

[AmexRuislip]

Yes, any abnormal PSA result is a worry, but the doctors say it's an indicator and not completely reliable. Try not to worry too much. I had a scan and biopsy 3 years back and was clear - now my 6 monthly PSA test has gone up again so I may need to go through the process again. I know it's not great (I certainly worry too) but the NHS specialists seem pretty 'on it' now.
Good luck for a decent result.

Appreciate yr comments.
I have a wonderful wife who keeps me in check

 

[Weststander]

This has been a great thread to read.
I recently had a blood test, which resulted in a high reading on PSA levels, together with blood found in a stool sample.
Now waiting for MRI and CT scan dates.
A whole load of emotions going through my head.
Just trying stay positive

Hi @AR, I hope all goes well, of course.

Is that two entirely separate issues, the PSA and blood from the bowel?

From personal experience and a brother of mine:
- A high PSA level can be be caused by several issues, not just cancer, such as an enlarged prostate.

My physical examination discovered the tumour elsewhere, so I was very fortuitous.

My brother beat prostate cancer, his PSA numbers had been off the scale, through special meds and radiotherapy … due to the wonderful people at Eastbourne Hospital. He was treated throughout the pandemic with no delays at any stage.

- blood from the bowel, the concern is obviously bowel cancer. I know through personal experience, surgeons and the wonderful BC charity that these are mostly very slow growing tumours, enhancing prospects greatly, unlike some other C’s.

Hopefully your very early action will show all is good with the old plumbing!