Got myself tested today, test took a few minutes plus a 20 minute wait.
Will get the results in a few days time. I hope it's clear, obviously, but if not then still better to know.
Thanks to @Tracey and everyone else involved in the campaigning who made me, a man in his 50s with family history of the condition but no symptons, get it done.
Good man, Henners.
I'm sure (hope) your tests will be clear but, as we are being educated to understand, early diagnosis makes it one of the easiest cancers to cure.
Got myself tested today, test took a few minutes plus a 20 minute wait.
Will get the results in a few days time. I hope it's clear, obviously, but if not then still better to know.
Thanks to @Tracey and everyone else involved in the campaigning who made me, a man in his 50s with family history of the condition but no symptons, get it done.
Got myself tested today, test took a few minutes plus a 20 minute wait.
Will get the results in a few days time. I hope it's clear, obviously, but if not then still better to know.
Thanks to @Tracey and everyone else involved in the campaigning who made me, a man in his 50s with family history of the condition but no symptons, get it done.
I hope it's clear. Was it just a blood test?
Yes, the PSA test.
"A little scratch with a needle" as the nurse said.
To book it I just went on to my local surgery's on-line consultation, said I wanted the test and I got an email back saying the form to take to the local hospital was available to pick up from reception.
I’ve had problems with peeing for years. I know I’ve got an enlarged prostate and I’m taking the pills to help with the flow. It was Bill Turnball’s news that he had PC which prompted me to go to the docs to request a check up. My PSA has gone up from 3.3 to 4.0 in a little over two years just had another blood test to see if it was a blip as riding a bike, would you believe, an raise the PSA (must be the tight Lycra shorts). I feel absolutely fine, fit and healthily but I’m not sure if I should be worried.
I’ve had problems with peeing for years. I know I’ve got an enlarged prostate and I’m taking the pills to help with the flow. It was Bill Turnball’s news that he had PC which prompted me to go to the docs to request a check up. My PSA has gone up from 3.3 to 4.0 in a little over two years just had another blood test to see if it was a blip as riding a bike, would you believe, an raise the PSA (must be the tight Lycra shorts). I feel absolutely fine, fit and healthily but I’m not sure if I should be worried.
Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood are directly correlated to the size of the prostate gland. A raised level of PSA is a marker for enlarged gland but not an indicator for malignancy. A raised PSA test would be the starting point for further investigation starting in most cases with a digital rectal examination where a doctor is able to palpate the gland itself. A normal gland should be soft and smooth something like the tip of your nose. A hardened walnut feel should be referred for biopsy and imaging. Many many men over 50 have a non malignant enlarged gland called benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH would also produce urinary symptoms like reduced flow, frequency. Age also causes the bladder to loose it’s elasticity so most men experience symptoms like frequency and nocturia ( getting up during the night to pee). It’s a disease that creeps up on you and why diagnosis is often late and sadly often too late.
All men with symptoms or as above who are 50 plus should seek advice sooner rather than later. I’m very glad that the message is slowly getting through to men that they need to be aware of this killer.
These health threads are hugely important whether they be on dementia, mental health or prostate cancer. We can do a lot to help each other if we share information and get people to access services.
Health promotion needs to be pushed up the agenda to prevent unnecessary suffering and in the worst cases premature death.
My father and brother had prostrate cancer and as a result I have been having regular PSA tests for the past 12 years. Last August I had a third raised result in a row at 7.3. My GP referred me for MRI and biopsies. Both GP and hospital considered it was only a precaution as I had a very large prostrate and I was fast approaching the age of 65. As commented here PSA result increases with age. I had in fact got a fairly aggressive cancer in one side of the prostrate and was referred to Addenbrookes for potential robotic surgery to remove the prostrate. The consultant there put me on 3 months hormone treatment because my large prostrate filled my pelvic cavity making it unsafe operate without the prostrate being shrunk. Late January this year the operation was carried out. 4 hours in theatre yet back home within 24 hours of coming back to the ward. The medical care has been superb throughout. 6 weeks on and the pathological tests on the removed prostrate, margins and lymph nodes have come back saying the cancer spread to both sides of my prostrate but thankfully did not spread outside of the glands. A close shave indeed and has given me a refocus on what is important in my life.
I did attend the match at Posh last weekend. You may have seen me climb over the seats to get to the toilet mid way through the first half
My dad had it caught it early and was cured and fortunately still around 20 years later and healthy in that respect with regular (every few years) check ups.
As a result I make sure I get checked every few years too.
Brother in law in mid 50s is going through the wringer. Went to G.P around 18 months ago and told nothing to worry about after a general checkover, no PSA done. Last October he went back insisting something wasn't right. Had a PSA and was booked for a biopsy. No appointment availability until March 2023. Following biopsy told more tests needed. In July told he's got stage 4 PC but needs to speak to a Consultant, but no appointments available until September. Seen consultant last month and told surgery could be December onwards. Absolute sham of an NHS, and that coming from an employee for most of the past 20 years.
All well and good going for tests but there needs to be a shake up as the resources are insufficient.
Hopefully this new shorter more intense radiotherapy treatment can be adopted and rolled out quickly. This should enable the waiting list to be shortened. Still the issue about under capacity for biopsies and scans to be looked at.
My story, just over 12 months ago private health check that included a PSA test, levels up from last check, referred to GP, tested again in April this year, very high levels, CT & MRI scans and a biopsy, aggressive Prostate cancer was diagnosis. I stress I had no symptoms whatsoever, absolutely none, which is the scary part.
Prostate removed Cheltenham hospital in Aug, subsequent psa test a couple of weeks ago very encouraging, physically almost back to where I was, all about bladder control now and that’s getting better, I was rebuilt from bladder to willy (my piss pipe).
NHS were wonderful and continue to be so, will be on 3 monthly checks now for a couple of years then 🤞6 monthly then every 12 months 🤞
Currently renovating our gaff up here in the wilds of West Worcestershire, putting the renovations and landscaping stuff back 4-6 months a very small price to pay.
Can’t emphasise enough get a psa test, I know data now coming out claiming it’s not that reliable, however in my case it was & I repeat I had no symptoms, Of the 42 samples taken of my prostate, 27 had the horrid C lurgy. Without that psa test gawd knows what state I might have been in 18 months time.
Have a test gents, it’s free and could increase your life longevity, let’s face it not many people die of old age, normally something gets us, don’t let it be prostate C lurgy.
That sounds appalling,why was there a four month wait for the biopsy results,this is the exact opposite of my experience in Medway,from the time I got my red letter,to treatment starting was around 3 -4 months,including biopsy,scans etc.So I guess it i s luck of the draw,but the delays in your brother in laws case are unacceptable for such a potentially dangerous situation,I wish him well,and reiterate what you said,get tested.
I know from, personal experience, how difficult the US healthcare system can be, but when I get my annual PSA test (every year since my 50th), I get the results next day. I’m always mystified why it takes so long to get results in the UK.
I know from, personal experience, how difficult the US healthcare system can be, but when I get my annual PSA test (every year since my 50th), I get the results next day. I’m always mystified why it takes so long to get results in the UK.
I was part of the Charlton testing initiative in 2022 – 360 tested
- 16 red & 12 amber results returned. My understanding and experience were
that everyone received their results, first thing the following morning.
My result was a red result and I arranged to see my GP. He
performed the finger procedure and declared that he thought I had nothing to
worry about, but still sent me for another blood test.
That test came back similar to the Charlton result and due
to it being a potential cancer diagnosis, I was fast-tracked to Guys hospital
for further investigations.
An initial consultation that included the finger probe (this
time there was concern expressed at what was found) was followed by an MRI scan
and finally a biopsy.
The consultant that
performed the biopsy basically confirmed the PC diagnosis on the day but wanted
to ask me how I had been referred, as in my case, the condition was at one of
the earliest stages that he had seen.
He was very interested in the Charlton annual mass screening
story and indicated that he was not aware that this went on. He confirmed the
point that the earlier PC was found, and treatment commenced the greater the
chance of a full recovery.
I opted to have the robotic surgery procedure at Guys and in
the June had the operation which took 3 to 4 hours and after about three months
of convalescence, have made a full recovery.
As @Daarrzzetbum said there are reports that the blood test is
not always reliable, but that is what the NHS use to monitor me going forward.
Currently on a 3 monthly check.
Please “Gents” of a certain age, get yourselves tested
annually down at the valley.
I was part of the Charlton testing initiative in 2022 – 360 tested
- 16 red & 12 amber results returned. My understanding and experience were
that everyone received their results, first thing the following morning.
My result was a red result and I arranged to see my GP. He
performed the finger procedure and declared that he thought I had nothing to
worry about, but still sent me for another blood test.
That test came back similar to the Charlton result and due
to it being a potential cancer diagnosis, I was fast-tracked to Guys hospital
for further investigations.
An initial consultation that included the finger probe (this
time there was concern expressed at what was found) was followed by an MRI scan
and finally a biopsy.
The consultant that
performed the biopsy basically confirmed the PC diagnosis on the day but wanted
to ask me how I had been referred, as in my case, the condition was at one of
the earliest stages that he had seen.
He was very interested in the Charlton annual mass screening
story and indicated that he was not aware that this went on. He confirmed the
point that the earlier PC was found, and treatment commenced the greater the
chance of a full recovery.
I opted to have the robotic surgery procedure at Guys and in
the June had the operation which took 3 to 4 hours and after about three months
of convalescence, have made a full recovery.
As @Daarrzzetbum said there are reports that the blood test is
not always reliable, but that is what the NHS use to monitor me going forward.
Currently on a 3 monthly check.
Please “Gents” of a certain age, get yourselves tested
annually down at the valley.
Everytime prostate cancer gets mentioned on here,i put in my two bobsworth,and I will without apology for the repetition continue to do so. I got tested by chance at the Valley,early for the game,no booking required,had the test,a few days later got the dreaded red letter,Saw Gp,got a very quick hospital appointment,had a scan,then a biopsy Prostate cancer confirmed.I was lucky ,very early stages,hopefully now cured ,no surgery,medication and radiotherapy. I had no symptoms,so all you guys out there,"it wont happen to me",bollocks ,it will for a good many of you,get F----ing tested.
I was part of the Charlton testing initiative in 2022 – 360 tested
- 16 red & 12 amber results returned. My understanding and experience were
that everyone received their results, first thing the following morning.
My result was a red result and I arranged to see my GP. He
performed the finger procedure and declared that he thought I had nothing to
worry about, but still sent me for another blood test.
That test came back similar to the Charlton result and due
to it being a potential cancer diagnosis, I was fast-tracked to Guys hospital
for further investigations.
An initial consultation that included the finger probe (this
time there was concern expressed at what was found) was followed by an MRI scan
and finally a biopsy.
The consultant that
performed the biopsy basically confirmed the PC diagnosis on the day but wanted
to ask me how I had been referred, as in my case, the condition was at one of
the earliest stages that he had seen.
He was very interested in the Charlton annual mass screening
story and indicated that he was not aware that this went on. He confirmed the
point that the earlier PC was found, and treatment commenced the greater the
chance of a full recovery.
I opted to have the robotic surgery procedure at Guys and in
the June had the operation which took 3 to 4 hours and after about three months
of convalescence, have made a full recovery.
As @Daarrzzetbum said there are reports that the blood test is
not always reliable, but that is what the NHS use to monitor me going forward.
Currently on a 3 monthly check.
Please “Gents” of a certain age, get yourselves tested
annually down at the valley.
Comments
I'm sure (hope) your tests will be clear but, as we are being educated to understand, early diagnosis makes it one of the easiest cancers to cure.
"A little scratch with a needle" as the nurse said.
To book it I just went on to my local surgery's on-line consultation, said I wanted the test and I got an email back saying the form to take to the local hospital was available to pick up from reception.
A really simple process.
All men with symptoms or as above who are 50 plus should seek advice sooner rather than later. I’m very glad that the message is slowly getting through to men that they need to be aware of this killer.
Did you have to remove your cardi for that little prick ?
These health threads are hugely important whether they be on dementia, mental health or prostate cancer. We can do a lot to help each other if we share information and get people to access services.
Health promotion needs to be pushed up the agenda to prevent unnecessary suffering and in the worst cases premature death.
I did attend the match at Posh last weekend. You may have seen me climb over the seats to get to the toilet mid way through the first half
As a result I make sure I get checked every few years too.
Steve Rider: Sports presenter to have surgery after prostate cancer diagnosis
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67076336All well and good going for tests but there needs to be a shake up as the resources are insufficient.
That said, get tested guys.
NHS were wonderful and continue to be so, will be on 3 monthly checks now for a couple of years then 🤞6 monthly then every 12 months 🤞
https://www.england.nhs.uk/cancer/case-studies/rapid-model-for-prostate-cancer/
Hopefully in the not too distant future the MRI scan will form the backbone of a national screening programme that works.
I was part of the Charlton testing initiative in 2022 – 360 tested - 16 red & 12 amber results returned. My understanding and experience were that everyone received their results, first thing the following morning.
My result was a red result and I arranged to see my GP. He performed the finger procedure and declared that he thought I had nothing to worry about, but still sent me for another blood test.
That test came back similar to the Charlton result and due to it being a potential cancer diagnosis, I was fast-tracked to Guys hospital for further investigations.
An initial consultation that included the finger probe (this time there was concern expressed at what was found) was followed by an MRI scan and finally a biopsy.
The consultant that performed the biopsy basically confirmed the PC diagnosis on the day but wanted to ask me how I had been referred, as in my case, the condition was at one of the earliest stages that he had seen.
He was very interested in the Charlton annual mass screening story and indicated that he was not aware that this went on. He confirmed the point that the earlier PC was found, and treatment commenced the greater the chance of a full recovery.
I opted to have the robotic surgery procedure at Guys and in the June had the operation which took 3 to 4 hours and after about three months of convalescence, have made a full recovery.
As @Daarrzzetbum said there are reports that the blood test is not always reliable, but that is what the NHS use to monitor me going forward. Currently on a 3 monthly check.
Please “Gents” of a certain age, get yourselves tested annually down at the valley.
I got tested by chance at the Valley,early for the game,no booking required,had the test,a few days later got the dreaded red letter,Saw Gp,got a very quick hospital appointment,had a scan,then a biopsy Prostate cancer confirmed.I was lucky ,very early stages,hopefully now cured ,no surgery,medication and radiotherapy.
I had no symptoms,so all you guys out there,"it wont happen to me",bollocks ,it will for a good many of you,get F----ing tested.