1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Prostate Cancer

Rising PSA

Posted , 6 users are following.

Only_Me
Only_Me

I'm 54 years old caucasian with no family history of prostate cancer. In Jan 2012 my PSA was 1.2  and in Oct 2014 my PSA was 1.3 and in April 2015 (6 months later) it had risen to 1.75.  My Family Dr performed a DRE and said my prostate felt completley normal and was not concerned about the rise in my PSA.  Should I be seeking second opinion?

1 like, 21 replies

21 Replies

Prev
  • carl05115
    carl05115 Only_Me

    Posted

    Dear Only Me,

    As the previous replies suggest, you are very likely a fortunate fellow.  

    I would suggest that you read the US Preventative Services Task Force Recommendations on Prostate Cancer.  They recommend against the use of PSA testing for screening purposes and so the the person who invented the test.  Their reason is that in the US it puts the fear of god into people and then they seek curative treatment that frequently is unnecessary and often causes terrible side effects.  

    I really would also suggest that you do a little reading on PSA and how profoundly inaccurate that it can be as a result of minor infections of the prostate, injury, or merely sexual activity.  Along with that you might look up high PSA scores and people who have elevated PSA and no symptoms.

    It is clearly evident from your stats that you could probably read on the topic for many years and not be taking any risks.

    I wish you the best and don't forget to enjoy your life.

    Finally, I am very sorry to hear about your daughter.  I trust that her cancer was either benign or cured.  I can't imagine that it wasn't a thoroughly frightening experience for you and for her.

    Realistically, you have to stick around for a lot of years anyway to finish raising her and for what it is worth, you likely will.

    Again, my best.  Carl

    • Only_Me
      Only_Me carl05115

      Posted

      Thanks for the concern about my daughter it was three years ago.  She was 24 years old when diagnosed and luckily things have went well.  The treatments were not much fun but she survived and is doing really well now.  Thanks again!!!
  • andrew86541
    andrew86541 Only_Me

    Posted

    Don't be alarmed 'Only Me' I suggest your reading(s) are well within acceptable perameters and listen to your doctor. I have a PSA of 8.74 ng/ml which although considered above normal (0 - 4.5) isn't necessarily dangerous. I have had a MRI & Biopsy and awaiting my results. I question whether I should have gone as far as a biopsy. I'm 67. At 54 this sounds like just normal growth. Remember, there is quite a lot of controversy attached to PSA counts, even the guy who devised the system suggests this isn't foolproof. Have a beer and forget all the scaremongering!! 
    • carl05115
      carl05115 andrew86541

      Posted

      Dear Andrew,

      PSA is not, in itself, dangerous.  It is a measure of stress to the prostate. My PSA is not just over 80, I have no symptoms, DRE is unremarkable.  If you look online for the highest PSA's you will find people alive and well with PSAs of 21,000!  It is inevitable if you have prostate cancer, even if it is slow growing (my doubling time is just over five years) that your PSA will reach high levels if you live long enough. I turn 70 this year and fully expect to live to 85.  At that point my PSA will be around 640. Personal choices that I have made and we'll see.  You might choose to do something else.  My Best,  Carl    

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.