Prostate Cancer Survivors

 

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Family Tree

Dear All,

Greetings from England...

My dad (83) was diagnosed 8 years ago & is still doing ok even tho his cancer has now spread.
Sadly we lost my eldest brother (51) too this 2 years ago who actually died from a secondary tumour.
My psa at (48 years of age) was 1.7 which fluctuated inbetween this & 2.7 until 2 months ago (50) when over a 3 month period it increased to 4.7
I am due to have 1 more psa test in 3 weeks & if the same a biopsy.
Point of interest our national health service allows for many variations in treatment regionally for example my middle brother (53) has DRA/PSA & an Advanced blood test looking at bio markers the last of which isn't available to me where I live unless I opt out for private treatment.
Most grateful for anyones opinions on the above & or alternatives I really should ask about.

I hope you don't mind as I chronicle my experiences & wish everyone as much well health as we can all wish for.
Kindest regards

Kas

Re: Family Tree

Hi Kas and welcome. Given your family history and the rise in your PSA, it would be most prudent for you to have the appropriate investigations.

best wishes,
john

Re: Family Tree

Kas,
I wouldn't worry about getting any new types of blood tests which might give a percentage chance that you might have prostate cancer. In your position I would want to be sure and get a biopsy and I might be tempted to get my prostate out if was causing me any other problems. It is so unusual for someone to die of PC at such a young age as your brother did.

Re: Family Tree

Hi Kas,
I'd agree with the previous advice. Given your family history and rising PSA a biopsy is advisable which should provide a definitive answer. Ensure that it is a transperineal biopsy where a larger number of core samples are taken and the accuracy of the diagnosis is greater. Given your relatively low current PSA, if there is a problem, hopefully it can be cleared up at an early stage.

I think there is a degree of complacency about prostate cancer in the UK. In my case I wish my GP and consultant had treated my case with more urgency.

Very best wishes with your treatment pathway.

Lyn

Re: Family Tree

Thanks to Frank & John for your replies...

I have a question which relates to my treatment in England.

Why is it we seem to use psa then biopsys when we could alternatively,arguably more accurately & less invasively use a Color Doppler Ultrasound (also known as a sonogram?
also why no use of PCA3?
There are many sources on there effectiveness I include 1 link below.


Grateful for any opinions

Kas


http://www.newportnaturalhealth.com/2013/07/a-guide-to-understanding-psa-test-results/

Re: Family Tree

kas,

Simple answer - costs! Ours is a free service but expensive to taxpayers, so low cost diagnosis is universal.

OC in England

Re: Family Tree

One advantage of your medical system is that you only get diagnosis techniques and treatments that are shown to be effective.

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