Originally Posted by: Online Community MemberDon't go the way I did!
6 years ago at 54 I went to the doctor's because of reduced urine flow and more urinating at night. The doctor did a PSA test and DRE (still haven't got over that!) The PSA came back at 1.34 and the DRE didn't uncover anything.
Don't worry said the doctor, it's your age. Come back if anything gets worse.
Evening John,
Your journey is indeed frightening. I notice on your profile history that you don't mention this GP's visit. Do you now think it is relevant to your subsequent cancer diagnosis? Do now you feel he/she should have done more?
I was also about 54 years old when I was refered by my GP to a urologist. due to urination problems. My PSA was 3. I had a DRE, which showed an enlarged prostate. I was prescribed Tamsulosin.
I had annual PSA checks. No further DREs and no MRIs. It was not until 9 years later that there was a slight PSA rise resulting in a further urology appointment, leading to MRI, biopsy and diagnosis of Gleason 6, low volume prostate cancer.
Even then, I was told "Don't worry. Some don't even call it cancer' Ironically, it was whilst allegedly being closely monitored on AS, that my disease supposedly progressed alarmingly to Gleason 9 and had breached the capsule.
It now seems more likely the intial biopsy had missed the more dangerous cancer cells, as it is rare for the Gleason score to get higher. I often think I wonder when I contracted the disease. Was it 2020, when I was first diagnosed or could it have been as much as 10 years earlier.
So going back to your GPs visit and the original posters GPs visit. What do think they should have done? Do you think that everyone with a below normal PSA level but enlarged prostate should automatically have regular follow PSA checks or MRIs to double check that's all in order?
I'm a great believer in all men having prostate cancer screening, but unfortunately even then, some will avoid detection.
Edited by member 22 Apr 2024 at 23:19
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