NFR Prostate Cancer

[Thailand Mick]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Sunbury White and well done for highlighting this topic. I'm 62 and went for a health check a couple of months ago and because of my age this was one of the things they checked and fortunately everything was clear. As everyone has said if you notice even the smallest change in something get it checked out.

[hovewhite]

Ok boys

Lets start with a few things

It is not "discussed" by men for various reasons, we need to look at it

I have been diagnosed with it but luckily enough it is only about 6 months old and I have had fantastic care from the NHS and an amazing surgeon who has explained everything so well so I will survive

Often there are no outward signs so when you find out it can be too late

Given that
1. It is a taboo subject - all of you get tested please. Its only a blood test, you dont get a finger up your ar5e. Its now 50+ years old people who are getting it
2. I am lucky that it has been caught early and will probably die from other thing than the cancer so again get tested so you can catch it early
3. 1 in 8 men get it and if caught early enough they all live long lives 10 years plus


I have raised money for prostate cancer for 20 years  and in the last 12 months there has been a break through AI on the blood tests ,there is no screening programme like with breast cancer as it's still 12 months at least away.all of us over 50 should get a blood test at your doctor's as they check your cholesterol and other blood testing ailments.
I wish you well sir.

[cookieg]

The NHS has its many faults but before Christmas I was off my food and feeling fairly crap for a couple of months and so went to the doctors. Everything seemed to go into overdrive and I had checks for bowel cancer, psa bloods and finger, camera down the throat as I get really bad acid, urine flow and various other tests. Absolutely first class service.

I saw my doctor several times over a couple of months but at the end of it everything was good apart from the acid which I take tablets for. It does seem a bit extreme the tests I had but in an ideal world this is how everyone should be examined/treated when they are concerned about cancer. With the number of people getting cancer increasing getting early diagnosis/treatment is vital.

We (men) are terrible about seeing our doctors and talking about this things and the thought of having a finger up your bum can be considered embarrassing. How effective this test is one thing my doctor said he could feel a nodule so arranged for further tests.

But as Beatty used to say "It's good to talk" and we need to do more of it more often.

Excellent post and just shows how many of us are impacted by this.

[FFC1987]

I had the ol checkup when I was 36 due to luckily, some overweight issues causing me harm but so happy I got checked up. It's really not something to be afraid of or apply stigma to anymore. No matter which way you get checked either.

Bottom line, get checked and ask to be checked. It's not worth it just to save face socially.

[bill dando]

Was diagnosed with prostate cancer a couple of years back after various procedures biopsy cameras in various parts of anatomy was operated on with removal of prostate at Royal Marsden (Fulham/Chelsea) I prefer to say Fulham because operation was total success and have recently been told they don't need to see me for a year.Yes thanks for posting and remain very impressed with the treatment available,I will say I thought Urology was a minor non important department when I enquired about getting up in the night to relieve bladder and then was advised of prostate problems just in time Thanks for posting feeling pleased and happy COYW !

[BestOfBrede]

I am fine thanks boys and will come out of it al Ok but the point I am trying to make is for all of you to get tested

Thanks for this reminder Sunbury.

Question is, how do you get your doctor to organise a test when you can't get to see him in the first place? Well it's like that for me unfortunately!
I ended up having to pay for a private consultation recently, as my surgery did nothing much to help. Not their fault, as far too many people in a small community surgery.

Anyway, are there any other ways to organise a test?

[H4usuallysitting]

My thoughts are with you Sunbury...

I had quite a big cancer operation in February 2024....the specialist's said my recovery would take around a year.. I have a scan & blood tests every 6 months.

I'm now working as a Hackney cab driver again here in Eastbourne....
I started work on Monday 02nd June 2025 two days ago... I'm only working part time, but so far really enjoying it (not working today)

If you can, try not to rush your recovery...I started my recovery by walking next door, then the following day walking to the next door after that & so on...it was a very slow process.... I also used to walk up & down on one step.... I wasn't allowed to carry anything for about 6 months, then slowly started by building up...

Well done you for posting on here - it took courage.

Keep well all - onwards and upwards

[Jim©]

I've just had a visit last weekend from a long time mate who was too slow in getting anything checked, despite telltale signs. He's now in a pretty bad way with cancer spread.

His parting comment to me was "promise me you'll get checked every year". So i have ordered a PSA test already. You can get them online (for anyone struggling to see a GP), they don't cost a lot and they'll throw up any abnormalities.

Hope all is well Sunbury and well done for highlighting.

[Twig]

Great post Sunbury.
Can I add a similar caution regards skin cancer?  I have had to have quite extensive surgery on my forehead to remove a squamous cell carcinoma and have had to use chemo creams to deal with other areas of my face.  I lived in the Middle East for several years so was particularly exposed to strong sunlight but everyone is at risk. Thing is I only slapped on sunscreen if I was out for a round og golf or whatever.  Our skin is constantly exposed to UV and we would all do well to apply a protective sunscreen every day.

[bobbo]

I am fine thanks boys and will come out of it al Ok but the point I am trying to make is for all of you to get tested

Very pleased to hear youre going to come though it mate . i had a couple of irregular feelings and happenings in the last 6 months . done like you had the blood test and all ok . gook luck with any treatment you gonna have . 

[sunburywhite]

If you don't mind me asking sunburywhite, what prompted you to get the blood test?

It was only luck that they did it.I didnt have any signs at all, no blood in my pee only thing I had was a UTI that didnt go away. Doctor then gave me the finger, said the prostate was enlarged and did the blood test

 

[mrmicawbers]

Best wishes Sunbury.I had a scare regarding Prostate had a scan and biopsy which fortunately came back negative. My mate also a Fulham fan was going through coincidentally the same thing at the same time.His came back positive and was advised to have it removed.This he agreed to and can happily report that he is cancer free and everything seems to be in working order now although it took some time.Another Fulham mate has just been diagnosed with PC and is awaiting to see what treatment he going to get.We are all pretty OK with talking about it between ourselves and others willing to listen. Don't think it is quite the taboo subject as it was to say my father's era.Talking about things like this can only benefit us.Thanks Sunbury for sharing.

[WindyCity]

Glad to see this topic being discussed. This is a very treatable disease, especially if caught early.

The OP did get one thing WRONG though!  Yes, every year get the bloodwork PSA.  But, along with that, you should always get the rectal exam.  (Yeah, the finger up the arse.)  Very important!

Sometimes PSA numbers don't or can't give all the information.  The rectal exam exams the gland itself, and can detect abnormalities that bloodwork won't identify.  If your regular doc and/or urologist isn't giving you the rectal exam, then you must ask them to do so.  Be your own advocate and get both bloodwork and the finger job.  I know it's very uncomfortable, but it is essential for proper male prostate health. 

PSA and finger start at age 50
If family history, start at age 40

When you start getting PSA tests, always record for yourself your numbers, every year.  You should know what your numbers are anyway.  Keep in mind that even if your numbers are low, a jump higher at some point, even though it may still be in the low/safe range, can be an indication of trouble. 

Nice to have these discussions, I'm big advocate of taking these precautions for prevention.  Keep records, sometimes doc offices aren't keen on keeping history and casually sluff off your results as long as your numbers fall in so-called safe range.  Sometimes safe range numbers can be misleading.  Urologists are a bit more keen on prostate health than general docs.  Be your own advocate!!

[blingo]

An ultrasound will also show it Mr Windy

[Seano]

I've just had my first PSA test, and its 6.43, so Ive got to go in tomorrow, is that high?

[sunburywhite]

I've just had my first PSA test, and its 6.43, so Ive got to go in tomorrow, is that high?

Its above where it should be, but not a bad reading but definately needs checking out

[Dodgin]

Well said Sunbury, I have a few conditions and plenty of blood tests over the years but GP never added prostate check to any of them.  In 2018 a locum doctor sent me for a blood test over a smaller matter but added prostate to it. The results had my GP sending me up to Guy's Hospital for tests. The day after my 80th birthday (My wife had arranged a surprise party in the local hall on the day} I had a appointment to see the cancer nurse at Guy's. I never saw the nurse but the consultant who told me the MRI scan showed slightly enlarged prostate but no sign of cancer and discharged me. If you get up a few times in the night or pee a bit slow best to get a check on it.

[cottage expat]

Great to raise this often taboo subject, Sunbury. As others have pointed out, it's important to have annual p.s.a. checks, together with what is politely called a rectal digital examination (a.k.a finger up the bum).
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003. It was caught early and , after having the prostate removed, here I am 23 years later still going strong. Treatments have advanced significantly over the past 20 years or so and the surgery that kept me in hospital for 3 days is now routinely done on an out-patient basis.
On your question about the 6.43,yes, it's on the high side but I suspect your doctor may want to see if and how it rises over an extended period (perhaps check it again in 6 months). Anyway, all the very best and thanks for sharing with the forum

[gang]

I've just had my first PSA test, and its 6.43, so Ive got to go in tomorrow, is that high?

Its above where it should be, but not a bad reading but definately needs checking out

Over 5 needs investigation.

[Snibbo]

A word about the PSA test. Avoid sex and cycling before the test (seriously). They can cause a temporary spike in the test result.