Discovery Home & Health

What do you think about the idea of screening for PSA at home?

Not sure. It would prob send lots of people into a panic as positive results are possible even if prostate cancer is not present. GPs are reluctant to test upon request so maybe a good idea in that sense.

PSA is not a definitive marker anyway...the best way of telling is to get a doctor to stick a finger up your bum, but so many people are afraid of this these days that the professionals spend endless hours trying to come up with a test which doesn't involve a rubber glove and personal contact.
If men are at all worried they should see a doc and it only takes a second...worry over or camera investigation depending on results.
windy

Replying to the question about prostate cancer, Can it not be detected in a blood test, doctors don't seem to do carciogengic tests on the blood as routine but i think they should be available to people at risk or of a certain age[?][?]

Sandra... PSA is tested through blood. There can be other reasons for it being elevated though... it doesn't always mean prostate cancer is present.
Windy is right... men should just head for the docs and go for the DRE.
Lost my dad on 23rd December to prostate cancer. He found out he had it too late and it had already spread beyond the prostate. He spent 6 years fighting for all he was worth. He was only 56 when he died.

Sorry to hear about your Dad, it's a hellish disease.
I maybe shouldn't be on this forum but my ex felt exhausted for 2 years which the Docs put down to stress as he has his own business and worked hard, He had 17 blood tests done in those two years then he started passing blood and finally was sent to a specialist, he'll be 59 next month and this time last year had to have his prostate, all of his bladder and the urethra removed, He was at the hospital for check up on Tuesday and got the all clear but as you would expect he'll never be the same. I just think these tests should be done earlier and men should be taken a bit more seriously especially as it's often difficult for men to go to the Doc in the first place.

I'm so sorry for your ex Sandra.
I completely agree with you... tests should be done a lot earlier.... and as a matter of course, just as we are screened for cervical cancer and breast cancer.
My dad had lived with vague symptoms for years (he reckoned about 10) and when he finally went to his GP he pushed for an immediate referral. When he was diagnosed he then pushed to be treated at The Royal Marsden. I don't think he'd have lasted nearly as long as he did if he hadn't gone there. He was incredibly lucky to have been able to take part in several new drugs and radiation therapy trials. He went a bit too far at the end though, and it was a trial last autumn that pretty much finshed him off. He was just determined to keep at it.
Its his birthday tomorrow and we're burying a little of his ashes at his and mum's favourite beach.
All the best to you and your ex xxx

Hi Summer, I wish you well for tomorrow.
all the best, Sandra