Worried About Prostate Cancer

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 05:54

Hello, I'm a 53 yr old male that just returned from my wellness visit with my primary doctor. I now have my blood work results and it's scarring me a bit, and to be honest, more than just a bit...

My current PSA result is 2.838. Last year (almost to the exact day) it was 2.004. Two years ago in 2023 it was 1.4. So it essentially doubled in 4 years from 1.4 to 2.838:

8/16/2023: PSA = 1.4
(2024 was skipped)
8/11/2025: PSA = 2.004
8/16/2026: PSA = 2.838

My Doctor doesn't even mention it or make any note of it because it's still in the normal range (0 - 4) on the test results chart.

I'm more concerned because I have a cousin that was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 57 years old in 2023, which is what prompted me to get my PSA checked in 2023. The indicator for him was escalating PSA, which was eventually over 5.0 when they diagnosed him with prostate cancer.

My grandfather also had prostate cancer but it was diagnosed in his late 60s or early 70s, which ended up killing him. However, I have several other cousins (males) on the same family side that are in their 60s with no cancer, so I'm not sure of the family risk.

I brought up my concerns with my doctor in an email exchange and he said we will continue to track it and if it goes higher than 4.0 he would schedule an MRI. He wanted to wait until next year to test it again, but I told him I was concerned with waiting so he settled with testing it in 6 months.

I don't have any symptoms other frequent urination at night, but I drink a lot of fluids before bed (40oz or more) so I know that doesn't help.

I'm trying to be as proactive as possible + I don't want to worry for 6 months, so my plan is to visit a urologist in 3 weeks (I scheduled the appointment myself). I'd like to get his/her opinion on my PSA numbers and if anything else should be done at this point.

Does my plan sound reasonable? Am I over-worrying?

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 08:42

Hi mate,

Your plan sounds sensible. I'd be concerned if PSA climbs above 3.5. A biopsy is not something you want to undertake voluntarily.

Catching it early is generally curable, so rest assured you'll be well looked after if you need treatment, loads of options these days.

ATB,

hawkz

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 09:08

Hello, mge73

I'm sorry that you're worried about possible prostate problems, but welcome to the forum, mate.

Your PSA, although showing a gradual rise is still within the normal range, and your family history of PCa doesn't sound too strong.

Has your doctor done a DRE on you? It's possible that you may have a growing prostate (BPH) or other non cancerous conditions that can cause the rise. Most of these non cancerous problems can cause increased urination urges.

Perhaps you are being a bit over anxious at this time, but that understandable, mate. You should continue to have your PSA monitored. I'd have thought once a year was sufficient but if your clinicians are happy to do six monthly tests, and it helps reduce your concern, go for that.

Please keep us updated and good luck. 👍

Edited by member 06 Sep 2026 at 10:50 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 12:01

Hiya,

Although you have seen a rise you are still below the threshold where further investigation is required. There is a considerable concern about over treatment which can lead to side affects none of us want. A biopsy btw is not pleasant.

My brother's PSA level is double yours and he does not have cancer.

User

Posted 07 Sep 2026 at 11:36

Hi, no I haven't had a DRE yet, just the 3 PSA tests over the last 4 years. I haven't seen a urologist yet but I now have an appointment to see one later this month.

I tend to over worry things. I'm really not trying to push for more unnecessary testing, but also wanting to make sure I get awareness early if something is there.

Thanks!

Edited by member 07 Sep 2026 at 11:38 | Reason: typo

Show Most Thanked Posts

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 08:42

Hi mate,

Your plan sounds sensible. I'd be concerned if PSA climbs above 3.5. A biopsy is not something you want to undertake voluntarily.

Catching it early is generally curable, so rest assured you'll be well looked after if you need treatment, loads of options these days.

ATB,

hawkz

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 09:08

Hello, mge73

I'm sorry that you're worried about possible prostate problems, but welcome to the forum, mate.

Your PSA, although showing a gradual rise is still within the normal range, and your family history of PCa doesn't sound too strong.

Please keep us updated and good luck. 👍

Edited by member 06 Sep 2026 at 10:50 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 06 Sep 2026 at 12:01

Hiya,

My brother's PSA level is double yours and he does not have cancer.

User

Posted 07 Sep 2026 at 11:36

Hi, no I haven't had a DRE yet, just the 3 PSA tests over the last 4 years. I haven't seen a urologist yet but I now have an appointment to see one later this month.

I tend to over worry things. I'm really not trying to push for more unnecessary testing, but also wanting to make sure I get awareness early if something is there.

Thanks!

Edited by member 07 Sep 2026 at 11:38 | Reason: typo

User

Posted 07 Sep 2026 at 16:54

Well, as you have an appointment with a Urologist in 3 weeks time, you will get a more personalised professional opinion. You might get a DRE at the time but these can only access part of the Prostate, so if nothing found does not mean all of Prostate is clear. It may be suggested you get an MRI and if this is the case, you could use this to request your GP to refer you to NHS Urology which is what I would do in your shoes, unless you want to go along private route, perhaps because you have private medical health insurance. In a small number of cases with more rare types of Prostate Cancer PSA figures can be very low, so PSA is not definitive as an indicator.

It's not good to have a large intake of fluid just before you go to bed because this could disguise a different reason for getting up. (You should of course drink plenty of fluid so as to keep yourself well hydrated during the day).

PCa often has no symptoms until it has had a good start. However, it is generally slow growing so chances are you be OK but peace of mind if you are clear, at least for a time.

Barry

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