“In 2012, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against screening all men with the PSA test, concluding that the benefits of the test, which measures levels of a protein often overproduced in prostate cancer cells, did not outweigh the risks.”
The PSA test is 100% harmless. No one ever got hurt from a PSA test. It is tested from a normal blood sample.
Now, what does cause real problems is the fallout from the physically-invasive testing done for sampling the prostate for cancer, which comes after the PSA test looks a bit concerning. This study is saying the PSA tests and other methods should be used to correlate whether the sample should even take place, which is a great perspective to have. MRIs and possibly other blood markers can help prevent a physical sample. Utilizing these broader options together should be a part of “active surveillance.”
Men, get tested and go “active.”
Testosterone feeds it. Testosterone pills are on sale everywhere. Does that have any impact? I don’t know.
Bump
My husband got diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer at the age of 50 thanks to the PSA test. It saved his life.
The Transportation Secretary says he prefers Aggressive Prostate Screening.
Any doctor worth his salt does not use only a PSA test for diagnosis.
Mr. mm had prostate cancer a couple years ago. They watched his PSA level for several years before recommending a biopsy. Since his level kept increasing, they figured he needed it checked out.
Good thing too, because it was cancer although contained at the time they got it and he’s been cancer free since then.
But if they had let it go, I have no doubt it would have metastasized.
What with the distrust I have developed for the medical community, I see this move as more of the *people aren’t dying fast enough so let’s increase that by not doing preventative measures.*.
Yeah, I’m jaded,I guess, but not without reason.
bkmk
In July 2020 my PSA was 3.7 You are considered to have cancer when it tops 4.0. My doctor claims hia staff was instructed to contact me for follow up testing but they never did. In July of 2021 my PSA was 544. I was diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Spread extensively into my skeleton. It’s been quite a ride. Luckily they have been able to get it under control and my PSA last month was .41 buying me hopefully a few more years. I see every day as a gift now.
Mine got over 4, then 5 then back to 4’ then 6, then back to 5. I did an aggressive digital exam (you don’t want this ever!)’ 3 biopsy with negative results, then 2 “unremarkable” MRI.
Currently on 6 months blood testing and monitor.
The key is no sex 48 hours before a test, and no heavy straining or especially bike riding for a week before.
My PSA went from near zero to 3,4,5,6 in short order. Had a 30 point biopsy—negative. The urologist said he never had a patient that got a negative on his super-duper biopsy that later tested positive for cancer. My numbers are now back to 4ish. But ejaculation has ever since been a bit strenuous. If I had to do it over, I think I’d just wait longer before getting a biopsy.