Thread: Get a little prick

Originally Posted by abitfishy

I'm just wondering, since cancer can hit anyone, why would younger (say in their 30's) men not get regularly tested?

Other than the statistics about men that have daughters and no sons, are there any groups that are more at risk than others? I guess its the obvious like everything else - the unhealthy, obese etc etc???

abitfishy, would you please enlarge on that comment re the daughters, I am completely ignorant on such matters.

Thanks again guys.

I'm off on a weeks holiday but when I get back I'm quite willing to discuss the questions raised in more details.

Peter.

Originally Posted by whitewood

On the subject of statistics a recent article in the Qld Prostate Cancer News stated that men who had 3 daughters and no sons were 60% more likely to contract the disese

Jow104 - Only what I read in this post mate.

I started this thread back in November last year. I was surprised to see it alive and well 4 months later. I read through the post again and felt there were a couple of matters worth bringing into the current discussions.
An overseas study (Egypt in think) concluded that the chances of getting prostate cancer increased with the number of daughters a man fathered. This was especially so if there were no sons. A man who has 3 daughters and no sons is 60% more likely to contract the cancer. I am an example.

The other factor that relates to chances of getting cancer is direct relatives. Father & brothers who have prostate cancer increase your risk considerably. I heard the other day at a support meeting that if your grandfather and father had cancer then you will get it some time during your life. Scarey.

PSA is the best tool there is at the moment to indicate if you have prostate cancer it is not infalible but a good indicator. Rising PSA, doubling in 12 months, is a grave concern if it is yours. PSA plus DRE is even better and worth the embarrasment.

One aspect that has not been raised is the grading of the cancer. It is called a Gleeson score. They go from 2 to 10 with the obvious conclusions 2 is good 10 is very bad. This score is determined by a bi-opsey and should be evaluated by a urologist not your GP.

The real message is get a little prick every year once your over 50. If you are in a higher risk catagory the start at 40 or even earlier. Pick a date eg 1 month after you birthday so you don't forget. Make it part of your annual checkup. Bit like servicing your car every 10,000 but more important. Also don't expect that ever GP fully understands what is involved with Prostate cancer or supports PSA testing. Get one that does. My ex GP stated he didn't want to know his PSA as the cure was worse than the complaint.

Medical researh and advancements are making treatment really successfull if you get it early. I had a PSA of 6.1 and a Gleeson score of 9 when diagonised in May 05. I had to have radiation including HDBT treatment plus hormone injections for 21 months because of how large the tumor was and where it was. My last PSA test in December was >0.01. Can't do better than that. I still have no problems with my water works but my manly attributes are a thing of the past, so far. If I hadn't had the treatment I would be dead in May this year. It was an easy decision at the time for both of us after 41 years of marriage.

Also remember that cancer does not just effect the victim. It impacts on the whole family. Support and understanding is needed by all parties especially partners in the case of Prostate cancer.

On question of Dr. Red products. He started out with Ginger Punch. Then he developed Ginger punch Prostate furumula and recently Blue Berry Punch. Each is supposed to be better than the precessor. I now take blueberry punch but truthfully I can't say that is why my PSA is so good but I won't stop just in case it is working.

The only other advice I can offer is to check and see if there is prostate support groups in your area. They mostly meet monthly and will keep you informed on latest developments. You get to meet people with the same problems as you and can discuss how they went with their treatment, who are good doctors etc.
Wishing you a low PSA
John