You don't want to talk about this

[Glenn]

Ok you guys that are not kids any more. GET YOUR PSA LEVEL CHECKED. It's a simple blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Problems are determined by the changes in PSA levels so getting it checked sooner rather than later is important. I had mine checked but not early enough since I have a strong family history of Prostate cancer. I had Prostate surgery 2 years ago but my cancer has returned so I am starting radiation treatments. I have decided to try to help other men to not undergo what I am going through

Glenn

[titan14]

I have mine checked every year, for the last 5 years. Had mine checked last week...it was a whopping .52.

Anyway, Glenn, keep a positive attitude! It goes a long way.

[Guest jackdm3]

Going to have my next physical next year for my 40th.

What was the routine? 40, 45, 50 and then every 2 or 3 years?

[titan14]

Jack...I started getting mine checked @ 33...My wife runs the cancer center here. Since then, I get it checked every year when I get my yearly physical. It is only a simple blood test. same as checking your cholesterol, tryglicerides, etc.

[Glenn]

I am not sure what the official recomendations are, but have it checked every year after 40. Especially if anyone in your family has had prostate cancer. Changes in the levels are are more telling than the absolute level.

Glenn

[Erik88]

Glenn, sorry to hear about your cancer. I can't imagine what radiation must be like. I'll be thinking about you sir!

[Guest Bronker]

I am not sure what the official recomendations are, but have it checked every year after 40. Especially if anyone in your family has had prostate cancer. Changes in the levels are are more telling than the absolute level.

Glenn

At age 50, every man should get a PSA yearly.

Anyone with a prostate CA history in family should get one done immediately, then every 6-12 months depending on what their level is. Regardless of how old they are.

I don't routinely check 30+ year old's, or even 40+ year olds unless they have family history or they have symptoms.

Regardless, and I'm sure Glenn can attest, the PSA is only a SCREEN!!! There's still no substitute for the exam + screen. There have been many prostate CA's discovered on men who had borderline PSA's in the 4-10 range, but large prostate nodules.

For the record, PSA ranges are broken down like this:

0-4: considered normal if exam is normal

4-10: often diagnosed as BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia...IF the exam is normal or only shows equal prostate lobe enlargement without nodularity.

10+: is considered cancerous, regardless of exam...until biopsy proves otherwise.

Good luck, Glenn.

[Glenn]

At age 50, every man should get a PSA yearly.

Anyone with a prostate CA history in family should get one done immediately, then every 6-12 months depending on what their level is. Regardless of how old they are.

I don't routinely check 30+ year old's, or even 40+ year olds unless they have family history or they have symptoms.

Regardless, and I'm sure Glenn can attest, the PSA is only a SCREEN!!! There's still no substitute for the exam + screen. There have been many prostate CA's discovered on men who had borderline PSA's in the 4-10 range, but large prostate nodules.

For the record, PSA ranges are broken down like this:

0-4: considered normal if exam is normal

4-10: often diagnosed as BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia...IF the exam is normal or only shows equal prostate lobe enlargement without nodularity.

10+: is considered cancerous, regardless of exam...until biopsy proves otherwise.

Good luck, Glenn.

Thanks,

I'm not going to let it get me down. My psa was in the threes with a normal exam for several years then suddenly jumped to 7.6 but still a normal exam. My Dr recomended a biopsy which found the cancer. I have a friend whose psa is some outragous number but he has had 5 biopsies with no sign of cancer. I would rather have the surgery than 5 biopsies. Ouch.

Just don't be afraid to get checked.

Glenn

[vontar]

I have started getting my PSA checked as well. I understand the PSA blood check is more accurate then the other test anways. I am much prefer giving blood to have it tested that way. I don't remember my last numbers but they where well in the safe range last year. I will keep it monitored though.

I believe I was around a 2 but I can't be certain.

However, I can tell cholesterol is going to be my problem area. I know it is the food I love to eat, more then a medical problem. If I lay off certain foods for 3 months my numbers return to normal.

Doc wants me on meds but I am trying to avoid it by trying to eat better.

Edited September 25, 2010 by vontar

[Raoul]

Ok you guys that are not kids any more. GET YOUR PSA LEVEL CHECKED. It's a simple blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Problems are determined by the changes in PSA levels so getting it checked sooner rather than later is important. I had mine checked but not early enough since I have a strong family history of Prostate cancer. I had Prostate surgery 2 years ago but my cancer has returned so I am starting radiation treatments. I have decided to try to help other men to not undergo what I am going through

Glenn

Good advice Glen. I'm sorry to hear about your cancer. Hang in there, and if you need something you let us know. I'll keep you in my prayers.

FWIW, my last test was 1.3.

[Guest Sgt. Joe]

Yes this is great advice for anyone pushing 50. Mine is checked every time the VA does blood work which is about 3 times a year. So far so good.

One of the members of another forum I am on just yesterday or the day before reported that he had just gotten a positive screening and that while he was hoping for the best he was going to prepare for the worst.

Odd how the subject just came up over there (USCCA) and then here in the same few days, hopefully members of both forums will take heed and be tested. Us older guys have more than just the thugs to worry about coming after us.

This also reminded me that I need to send my coloscan cards in.......Something else we dont want to ignore as unpleasant as it may be.

Prayers and best wishes for you Glenn, and thanks for posting something so very important.

[Jasongar8]

Glenn if you need anything just let us know. Prayers sent for you and your family.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Glenn, thank you for informing us. Hang in there. A prayer is being said for you.

I hope for the best for you.

[Guest db99wj]

Had one, an exam and blood test, done in my early 30's. My parents both had or have had polyps and my grandfather died from colon cancer. Dr said I was good to go but come back when I'm 40.

Prayers your way.