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User
Posted 18 Feb 2026 at 20:53

My gp just informed me that I have a psa of 19.4 any advice would be helpful.

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 00:22

At 72 you have about  70% chance of having prostate cancer. The important question is have you got aggressive prostate cancer? I know two other people in there 70s with PSA in the teens, but not a serious enough cancer to need treatment. Yours definitely needs further investigation, but don't worry too much.

Dave

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 08:06

There are other causes of high PSA other than cancer.


While waiting you could prepare yourself mentally towards needing treatment. Even with low grade Gleason 3+4 and a PSA of 19 you would almost be in CPG 4 (3+4 and psa > 20) and probably not suitable for active surveillance.

If you need a MRI / biopsy there will be a few key terms to understand about the results. This can be a good time to find out more so you are not like a rabbit in the headlights. This is also a good place to ask those questions. 

The following all have an impact on your options:

MRI PIRADS score (3-5), size and location. 

Biopsy Gleason scoring / Gleason Group, number of positive cores percentage of highest grade, maximum core length, TNM staging, Cambridge Prognostic Group, PSA density and additional risk factors like cribriform, Extraprostatic extension (EPE), Perinural invasion (PNI) for example. 

In my case, diagnosed in Dec 2025, I have high volume (10/15 cores), two tumors 11mm & 13mm in PZ, max length 14mm, Gleason 3+4 (10%), PSA 13, PSAD 0.33, TNM T2C, PNI, GPC3. Monitoring with active surveillance with an alert of 15. So although I’m taking my time I am expecting treatment will be required sooner rather than years later. 

Edited by member 19 Feb 2026 at 08:10  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 11:22
Hi Dugster,

I am sorry that you need to be on this site! It is not easy to deal with being told that the word 'cancer' might apply to you and please be kind to yourself. Unfortunately, one of the worst problems with a potential prostate cancer diagnosis is the fear and the horror of the waits between stages of being diagnosed and, if necessary, treated. We all struggle with waiting for the next result or test. This forum will help and in my case the more I read the better I understood what was happening and just how much I should be worrying.

Hang on in there and remember loads of us are here for you. Don't bottle it up - share it!

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 15:54

The MRI is pretty straight forward as long as you're OK with tight spaces. The scanner is a bit snug but the technicians were great and I listened some music while it did its thing. Its a noisy beast but doesn't hurt a bit.

If you do need a biopsy then dont worry. Yes its an invasive procedure but it's no worse than a visit to the dentist. I had trans rectal and there were no issues at all with the process.

I understand someone telling you prostate is one of the better cancers to get. But it's a bit like saying "Well you've been run over by a car, but at least it was a Rolls Royce"

I got lots of friends saying similar things, none of whom had faced anything similar. Its not good whatever kind of cancer is linked to you. Just, as has been said already, take each test at a time and try not to look too far ahead. My biopsy came back with no cancer found, but i still worry in case they missed it. If and when the results go the wrong way you can look at treatment etc. 

Take care and keep chatting. 

Mick. 

 

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User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 00:22

At 72 you have about  70% chance of having prostate cancer. The important question is have you got aggressive prostate cancer? I know two other people in there 70s with PSA in the teens, but not a serious enough cancer to need treatment. Yours definitely needs further investigation, but don't worry too much.

Dave

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 00:42

I've been referred to oncology, I have always been fit and healthy and a drummer playing gigs so I live a pretty full life, I am trying to stay positive its just the waiting. Thank you for the reply.

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 08:06

There are other causes of high PSA other than cancer.


While waiting you could prepare yourself mentally towards needing treatment. Even with low grade Gleason 3+4 and a PSA of 19 you would almost be in CPG 4 (3+4 and psa > 20) and probably not suitable for active surveillance.

If you need a MRI / biopsy there will be a few key terms to understand about the results. This can be a good time to find out more so you are not like a rabbit in the headlights. This is also a good place to ask those questions. 

The following all have an impact on your options:

MRI PIRADS score (3-5), size and location. 

Biopsy Gleason scoring / Gleason Group, number of positive cores percentage of highest grade, maximum core length, TNM staging, Cambridge Prognostic Group, PSA density and additional risk factors like cribriform, Extraprostatic extension (EPE), Perinural invasion (PNI) for example. 

In my case, diagnosed in Dec 2025, I have high volume (10/15 cores), two tumors 11mm & 13mm in PZ, max length 14mm, Gleason 3+4 (10%), PSA 13, PSAD 0.33, TNM T2C, PNI, GPC3. Monitoring with active surveillance with an alert of 15. So although I’m taking my time I am expecting treatment will be required sooner rather than years later. 

Edited by member 19 Feb 2026 at 08:10  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 11:22
Hi Dugster,

I am sorry that you need to be on this site! It is not easy to deal with being told that the word 'cancer' might apply to you and please be kind to yourself. Unfortunately, one of the worst problems with a potential prostate cancer diagnosis is the fear and the horror of the waits between stages of being diagnosed and, if necessary, treated. We all struggle with waiting for the next result or test. This forum will help and in my case the more I read the better I understood what was happening and just how much I should be worrying.

Hang on in there and remember loads of us are here for you. Don't bottle it up - share it!

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 13:21

Thank you for the words of encouragement, on a lighter note the hospital has just phoned and told me my MRI scan will be within six days, she did add that if it was on the cards for me to get cancer prostate is the better one that can be treated, I don't feel overjoyed but I'll try to stay positive.

User
Posted 19 Feb 2026 at 15:54

The MRI is pretty straight forward as long as you're OK with tight spaces. The scanner is a bit snug but the technicians were great and I listened some music while it did its thing. Its a noisy beast but doesn't hurt a bit.

If you do need a biopsy then dont worry. Yes its an invasive procedure but it's no worse than a visit to the dentist. I had trans rectal and there were no issues at all with the process.

I understand someone telling you prostate is one of the better cancers to get. But it's a bit like saying "Well you've been run over by a car, but at least it was a Rolls Royce"

I got lots of friends saying similar things, none of whom had faced anything similar. Its not good whatever kind of cancer is linked to you. Just, as has been said already, take each test at a time and try not to look too far ahead. My biopsy came back with no cancer found, but i still worry in case they missed it. If and when the results go the wrong way you can look at treatment etc. 

Take care and keep chatting. 

Mick. 

 

User
Posted 20 Feb 2026 at 00:02

Thank You for the input, I know it was a bad metaphor but the MRI nurse said it over the phone, I think she could here the anxiety in my voice and was adding a bit of reassurance ( it didn't help ). I can't sleep obviously so I'm just putting thoughts out loud.

 
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