I asked my local GP for a PSA test when I was around 52, and they refused, as there were no symptoms. I only asked because my wife was pressing for me to get tested. She does worry a lot about possibilities bless her. GP used the argument, well do you really want to progress to invasive tests if the PSA is raised. Sort of put me off, but surely the objective is to save lives. Anyway he also said if we did everyone that asked, the NHS would be swamped. He stood his ground. To some extent I agree with his point, we all know the NHS is stretched to the limit, and resources are getting more scarce.
Anyway more recently she started pressing again (I'm now 58). GP again was not keen to allow the test (different GP same practice). It was only after I raised the point I know 2 friends recently of similar age that found they had cancer (no symptoms) by starting at the PSA test. It felt like I had to convince him or pressure him for a test. Eventually he caved.
My first result was PSA 5.1. Had examination at hospital, it wasn't enlarged, but consultant felt it was partly hard. So the process begins.
2nd test 2 weeks later 5.6.
MRI showed 2 lesions, 1 on each side.
After a transperineal, I had the call it was positive and I have stage 2 cancer. There is zero family history of cancer.
To be honest it floored me so much, I didnt really digest much more of the information from the call.
Now awaiting the face to face to discuss with consultant.
Kudos to my wife for being on my case.
Edited by member 10 Aug 2023 at 00:11
| Reason: Not specified