All Males AGED 40+:- PLEASE TAKE HEED, an RFF member's experience

[FUJINON]

Prostate PSA test.(Prostate-specific-antigen test).

Can I advise all MALE photographers aged 40+ to have the PSA test at their family doctors.It is just a simply blood test,a small quantity of blood is taken, by the doctor and sent for checking at your local Pathology Laboratory.
I, along with many other men aged 40+, have recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer even though I and many of them had no symptoms of the condition at all.
My initial PSA test indicated a PSA slightly above normal but nothing to be concerned about.I then asked my doctor to give me a six-monthly PSA test.
I had six-monthly checks over a period of 18 months.
My last test indicated a high PSA count, but I still had no symptoms of the condition.
I was referred to a Consultant Urologist at my local hospital and was given a biopsy and a nuclear bone scan and was told that I had prostate cancer.This last week I have undergone Prostate Brachytherapy(Internal Implant Radiotherapy) to treat the tumour.
I am so glad that I had the PSA tests and the early diagnosis found that the tumour was treatable with an excellent chance that the tumour will be destroyed or at least contained and not spread to the rest of my body.
Please have the test and don't be embarrassed to contact your doctor and don't delay as early diagnosis gives a better chance of a treatable condition.
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer to affect the western male population.

[JayGannon]

Important ****.
Hope it goes well for ya man.

[FUJINON]

Originally Posted by JayGannon

Important ****.
Hope it goes well for ya man.

Many thanks Jay for your good wishes.
My hope is that this thread might encourage more fellow male forum members to make this first important step.

[leica M2 fan]

This is so very important for men over 40. It can not be stressed too much that usually there are no symptoms except in later stages. Don't Wait!

[charjohncarter]

I had a similar experience. I was not happy when I would sometimes be skipped for PSA testing. So evey time I got a lab slip I marked the PSA slot (I figured if my insurance company complained I'd tell them I'd pay for the tests). I had another problem so I was getting a blood test every three months. Everything was normal, I was about 1.2 average. Then it went to 2.0 and then 2.5; my doctor told me that was not good so referred me to my Urologist. I was treated before my PSA hit 3.5. So, I also encourage men to get a PSA test but also to watch the trend line.

[t.s.k.]

Indeed, prostate exams and PSA tests are painless, simple and necessary.
Thanks for the reminder.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[Michael Markey]

Thanks from me too.
I had a shock 18 months ago when a routine blood test revealed CLL.
No treatment required at present but it`s a reminder (if we need one) of our own mortaility.

[jamesdfloyd]

As a survivor myself, it is not just for guys under 40. My doctor started out our conversation by saying, "...while this is rare for someone under 40, you do have it...". I was 38-years old at the time. Quick, aggressive treatment was the order of the day. 7-year survivor now. It has changed my outlook on health ever since.

J.D.

[E.M]

Thanks Fujinon for your concern . I have a bloodtest every year , but that doesn't seem to be enough frequently when I hear your story . So I''ll talk to my doctor to do it more often . Cheers and good luck to you !

http://www.etiennemichiels.com

[sonofdanang]

Yep, bloodwork every year....

[FUJINON]

Originally Posted by charjohncarter

I had a similar experience. I was not happy when I would sometimes be skipped for PSA testing. So evey time I got a lab slip I marked the PSA slot (I figured if my insurance company complained I'd tell them I'd pay for the tests). I had another problem so I was getting a blood test every three months. Everything was normal, I was about 1.2 average. Then it went to 2.0 and then 2.5; my doctor told me that was not good so referred me to my Urologist. I was treated before my PSA hit 3.5. So, I also encourage men to get a PSA test but also to watch the trend line.

Three months ago my PSA was 4,two months ago my PSA hit 6, a month later it was 10 and after my biopsy had reached 14.
A rapid change within a few months.
Regards,
Fujinon

[Robert Lai]

In general, it is highly unusual for a man around 40 years old to develop prostate cancer UNLESS there is a positive family history (e.g. your father, grandfather, uncle, or brother had it), or you are African American in the USA, or West African.

There is a lot of controversy as to whether or not PSA screening should be done at all, due to the high cost of screening an entire population, and the relatively low yield. Usually countries with socialized medicine (e.g. Canada) do not advocate screening at all. Countries that (used to) have a more free-market approach, like the USA before Obamacare did advocate screening after age 50 for the average man, and at age 40 for those with a positive family history. In fact, that was the stance of the American Urological Association until earlier this year. A couple of large studies appeared in JAMA, I believe that questioned the need for screening.

So what does this mean for you? Well, at age 50 you probably should have your PSA done, as well as a colonoscopy. Women should be having mammograms annually. Whether or not you should get a PSA test at age 40 currently is a matter of controversy, as I mentioned, unless you have a positive family history.

Treatment of prostate cancer is also another can of worms. This type of discussion usually takes a good part of an hour. Basically, you can choose to do nothing (maybe an option if your life expectancy is under 10-15 years), have a radical prostatectomy performed, or have various forms of radiation given. Hormonal therapy is usually reserved for metastatic disease.

Well, I've seen it from the Canadian perspective and the American one. I'm a urologist who trained in Canada, and now practice in the USA.

[grainhound]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the digital rectal exam. My PSA levels weren't much above normal, but my doctor felt my prostate via the DRE and found that it was somewhat enlarged. He said that the combination warranted a biopsy, which came back positive. Early, not aggressive, no symptoms at all, and I'm now through with it. After my experience, I would recommend all guys over 40 get tested both ways. I was told a few times that the PSA test isn't very reliable (false positives iirc), but the combination of the two tests, with my results, called out for a biopsy. Some might not like the idea of the digital rectal exam, but it could save your life.

As a Canadian, I only had to provide my health card at each stop for all of this, so I don't know what hurdles face citizens of other countries.

Nevertheless, get tested. Prostate cancer is much easier to treat successfully in the early stages. Given a chance to grow, it will kill you.

[Brian Sweeney]

I've moved this thread, Fujinon originally believed that viewers had to be logged-in to view "Off-Topic". That is true of the Member's Only forum.

I've also changed the title, as this experience was not specific to Male Photographers. When I first read the title, I thought "Exposure to Developers caused something bad".

Fujinon is sharing a very real, and frightening experience with us. Being over 50, being male, I'm horrible about going to a Doctor with regard for myself. Now- Nikki, and Nina, different. Nikki went through "medical hell" as a toddler, and we lived in the hospital. She has a problem, zoom to the Doctor. She is healthy now. Anyone have a Kid with ulcerative Colitis or Chrohn's, my wife is the expert. "VSL-3" pro-biotic, highly suggest it.

Me- I need to make an appointment. "Well-Being Checkup".

[CK Dexter Haven]

Thanks. I've never had any type of test for this purpose. I was about to have a blood test for cholesterol this week, so i may as well add the PSA.

[mark-b]

I had one done a month ago, thank you. For you, I hope and pray for the best outcome. If I could transport you to the future, where there is the cure, I would.

Best,

Mark-B

[surfer dude]

Timely and very wise words, and I wish you all the best Fujinon, and others who have it.

[SolaresLarrave]

I had a DRE anually for the last two years... and this August I had my gallbladder out. The funky thing: I was asymptomatic, except for a brutal headache that lasted for weeks on end. But I learned to live with these exams. I'm 51, no family history of any cancer, but as a Hispanic, there seems to be a propensity for diabetes.

Funny... years ago I wouldn't have considered these warnings as important, but a child in one's life does change one's perspective. I don't want to go to soon, and not see him at least become a teenager!

Not to mention that I'd like him to use my gear... Thanks for sharing your experience, Fujinon!

[pagpow]

Hi guys,

Good luck to all. To those struggling with what to do, there was a very helpful NYT summary article in the last couple of weeks about how they are refining their sense of what PSA readings and ranges are really indicative of a higher risk. I am not suggesting that people not deal with their risk of prostate cancer, but it is a very, very common cancer in the west -- and many more people will die with prostate cancer than from prostate cancer. One of the dangers of frequent screening is the likelihood of unnecessary interventions with their own attendant risks.

That's why it is very important to see a urologist who is up on the literature as well as the range of interventions. What you choose to do is very strongly tied to your age (inversely) and to the virulence of your cancer, not just a PSA reading. Agree trend line is important.

Giorgio

[gb hill]

I hope your treatment goes well for you & Thank you for posting. I just had my physical last week & being type 2 diabetic i try to see the Dr. regularly. Hard to do with a schedule like mine, but anyhow just turning 51 my dr. recommended a colonoscopy. (not sure on spelling) so 1st of the year I guess I will go get one. Right not I'm working on lowering my A1C number. My dad said getting old sucks, I'm starting to believe him.

[Brian Sweeney]

Nikki has had at least 8 colonoscopies, done before age 5. After the first couple, she would wake up after the procedure and want to go for Pizza. "How bad can it be..."

[gb hill]

Originally Posted by Brian Sweeney

Nikki has had at least 8 colonoscopies, done before age 5. After the first couple, she would wake up after the procedure and want to go for Pizza. "How bad can it be..."

Probably not too bad! but it will be my first time! Your daughter surely went through some bouts the first years of her life. Glad to read she is healthy now! Hope she stays that way for a long time!

[raid]

I wish you total recovery. Thanks for the reminder to all of us.
I get a PSA test each year, and each five years a colonoscopy. Cancer incidence rates for many cancer types are rising in the USA. I don't know about other areas in the world. It is wise to talk to your doctors about it.

[FUJINON]

May I take this opportunity to thank Brian and all forum members for their very kind wishes regarding my illness.My hope is that this thread will make forum members more aware of the PSA test and DRE and the importance of early diagnosis and if by reading this thread you decide to have the test it will have served its purpose.
I count myself lucky to have had an early diagnosis and treatment.
Kindest Regards to you all,
William (Fujinon)

[atlcruiser]

I get a kick out of comments that "too many people are being tested".."it is too expensive to test everyone"..that sure seems to apply unless it is you or a loved one with PC.

I have had a close friend die of PC...never tested.

My GF has 2 mammograms a year + the genetic testing.. she has a family history of cancer.

I will get tested this year and would encourage all other males to do the same. The results can only be positive; 1. you do not have anything to worry about OR 2. you caught it early and the cancer can be fought successfully.

thank you for posting this and i wish you the best