"The V.A. is most certainly doing PSA tests. Every 40+ man needs a PSA test and a DRE." I get a PSA every 6 months. One from the VA and one from my private doctor.
If you take testosterone injections, frequent PSA's are necessary as higher PSA levels accelerate the growth of prostate cancer. I have testosterone injections twice a month...and, have been for years.(I'm 75+ years old)
I have a friend who has prostate cancer and they are giving him something to reduce his natural testosterone levels to slow the cancer growth.
Prostate cancer is a killer of men in old age and is the number one killer of men in the US.
Thanks. You are correct as far as it goes. I painted it with too broad a stroke.
Every 40+ man needs a PSA test and a DRE
Since 2012 the medical profession has been advising away from PSA and toward DRE. PSA has too many false readings causing unneeded tests and biopsies\surgeries.
Let me clarify..I asked why they stopped giving me the PSA.
From my Doctor: "Advise against PSA screening for prostate cancer per current guidelines with no FH".(Whatever FH means)
It appears my V.A. PCP wont\can't order the test as part of my yearly exam....it has to come from a urologist. Even though I am being actively treated for BPH.
I asked the urologist about it and she walked me thru the guidelines. The following is from therurologist notes in my med records:
"Breifly reviewed USPSTF vs AUA and NCCN guidelines of PSA as part of prostate cancer screening. Patient is interested in continued PSA testing as part of prostate cancer screening"...
They would not ok it.