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Was Told by my doctor that Testosterone causes cancer

Posted , 8 users are following.

craig84609
craig84609

I went to my doctor and she said that a PSA is needed for screening purposes. I asked why and she said that TRT can cause cancer. I told her I have heard nothing of this and if it does I would have never started it. I have read that being on TRT can fuel cancer that is already there making it grow faster and more likely to be agressive in nature. She looked at me with  a puzzled look and said really well maybe you are right I will check into it. OMG! this is my doctor. Now what the heck am I supposed to think. I have never read anything that links TRT to causing cancer, fueling it yes, but causing it no. I have also read that men with low T are at a higher risk of developing cancer so it would be safe to say I am better off on TRT than not. I wouldn't be on it, but my body no longer makes it so it was 0. My side effects from this were really bad. It is like having chronic fatigue syndrome and sexual difunction. With a side of extreme depression. It was terrible and I don't want to go back to feeling that way, but the doctor would like me to stop due to cancer risk and blood clotting. I am getting checked regularly for blood issues and have no desire to take a PSA test. I believe it will open Pandoras box. I wish to leave it alone. What is a guy supposed to do? It is a catch 22 no good answer.

2 likes, 56 replies

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  • Ronnie_S
    Ronnie_S craig84609

    Posted

    Craig,

    I believe your doctor is so wrong. The book " Testosterone for Life"by Doc.Abraham Morgentaler will answer your questions about TRT & cancer.The information from this book & other sources have helped me overcome the problems you describe. For what it's worth at age 70 my 5k racing time had dropped to 22:31 & I enjoy chasing my wife aroung the house. I don't recommend easily but I do this book. Ronnie

  • alan1951
    alan1951 craig84609

    Posted

    Hi craig84609!  Go to Amazon, and read as much of the below-mentioned book as you can in Amazon's "preview" section, called "Look Inside."  I bought this book in 2010, and have been using testosterone injections ever since (one ml per month) and, if anything, they've helped me.  The book was written by Harvard's Chief of Urology. 

    Hope this helps:  "Testosterone for Life: Recharge Your Vitality, Sex Drive, Muscle Mass, and Overall Health"

    • Aristotle13
      Aristotle13 alan1951

      Posted

      Hi alan, I started my testosterone top-up using the stick-on patches but found that my skin reacted really badly to the stuff that carried the testosterone so I used to have the injections in my rump but over a number of years the muscle hardened and the injections became less effective and had to be more often so i switched to the gel sachets.  The gel is applied to the shoulders or belly once daily and they seem to be just as effective as the injections.  Don't know where I go from here since now, some years later, the alcohol in the gel is causing itching which is gradually getting worse even though I switch between the two sites.

      Totally agree with the the recharge your life etc comments. Without the testosterone, life quickly goes downhill!

  • bill69723
    bill69723 craig84609

    Posted

    Craig, and all,

    First, I want to tell you all, as I have earlier in this thread, I get it. Due to the flaky reputation of PSA, why bother taking it? I have already answered that concern above so if interested it is the 1st response in this thread to Craig's PSA concerns. But putting PSA aside, I would like to suggest ultrasound of the prostate. It is quick, easy, inexpensive, yet insurance reimbursable, and results available to the patient immediately. Lots of "pros" for ultrasound of prostate ((USP). Above all USP is accurate. If a tumor is spotted a single needle biopsy guided by MRI can be performed to stage it without going through the rectum. What are the cons? Well your dignity I suppose. You have to drop your drawers and have a device shoved up your rectum. Does it hurt? No, however it feels strange, but really no pain and the entire procedure last maybe a minute if even that. So Craig and others, let me ask you. Why spend the rest of your days with your own head up your a.. wondering and worrying if you have PC when there is a quick, accurate, relatively non-invasive test you can take that will either allay your concerns or give you a heads up you may have a life-threatening, albeit fixable problem?

    • craig84609
      craig84609 bill69723

      Posted

      The problem is the urologist I go to still wants PSA testing first then if high biopsy. I don't think they would offer an ultrasound to diagnose it first. Ultrasound isn't accurate either. One would need a high res MRI to tell and insurance will not cover it unless you have been through a negative biopsy first with PSA still climbing. Unfortunately there are hurdles to overcome. What we need is a test like PSA that can tell whether one has cancer with high accuracy and the ability to figure out if that cancer is aggressive. If it isn't aggressive then depending on age it maybe fine not to treat it. I would rather not treat it as the treatments have bad side effects. Maybe you treat a non aggressive cancer and in return you no longer function. I wish there was a better way thats all. We don't have the proper tools yet.Until then my head remains in my posterior.
  • bill69723
    bill69723 craig84609

    Posted

    Craig, TRUS otherwise known as Trans Rectal Ultra Sound is a well known tool in the tool box of most urologists, especially those younger than 50. If you refuse to submit to PSA then TRUS is a worthwhile option to consider. Yes, MRI is better but as you have noted expensive. In the hands of a skilled urologist TRUS should give you the peace of mind you presently and obviously do not have. I am attaching a link for your consideration.

    http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=us-prostate

     

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 bill69723

      Posted

      Bill if he does not feel he want to have a PSA it is his right.  And what is this submit.  We are not in jail.  We are in control of are bodys and we have the right to say no..  Have a good day  Ken
    • craig84609
      craig84609 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Well that is what I thought, but it would seem that my doctor can with hold medication unless I do take the test. This really is upsetting, so at this point I could get another doctor or take the stupid test. I don't want to take the test as right now I have Prostatitis and taking TRT so I would imagine it will be somewhat elevated. this is what we call a false posative and can start a witch hunt for cancer. No thanks, I guess I will have to get a new doctor.
    • craig84609
      craig84609 bill69723

      Posted

      I am familiar with this test. It wouldn't be a bad idea for men to have one every year or two. It is quick and not very fun, but really no worse than a colonoscopy. It is a good way to get a look at the prostate in order to see if there are bad changes going on. I am all for it. Like I said not much fun but at least one doesn't have a high PSA then the imagination goes into overdrive and scares the heck out of you while waiting for more concrete evidence. I would take one every other year. For those that have no rectum then insurance should cover MRI. 
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 craig84609

      Posted

      No good doctor should do that.  Just get a new doctor or tell her I will take it when I'm ready.  Not because she wants it. You should not be forced into anything and with know you have prostatitis that medication should not be with held.  Good luck  Ken
    • craig84609
      craig84609 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Well, I understand where she is coming from at least. She figures that it is all they have so use it, but the test is flawed so I prefer not. Urologists would stand to lose a lot of money if they no longer get as many biopsies to do. A study showed that unnecessary biopsy went into the million dollar range. So a lot of income at stake. I think it should be more focused on helping people rather than the money. I know they earn a living and not all doctors are just trying to make a buck, but sometimes I have to wonder. When I go for colonoscopy I feel like I have gone through the drive through at a fast food place. Get them in and out quick. These are scared men that have been told to have a biopsy due to a faulty PSA test. At this point scared and put through a test that is painful and damaging. Yes it would be a relief if it comes back no cancer found, but should we have had this stress in the first place. Not if the PSA was more accurate. TRUS biopsy can't reach the entire prostate so some of it is not checked and that is usually where the cancer is. The entire method is flawed. We need a better blood test and better biopsy approach.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 craig84609

      Posted

      Craig I know how you feel.  When I was 47 my doctor told me I had a very high PSA and had to see a urologist.  So I went.  He told me that I either had cancer or a infection.  He did the finger test and said that my prostate did not feel right.  I went through all the test.  From untrasound with the prob in the butt to the x rays and they a 10 needle.  Turned out to be a prostate infection.  But I had to go through it all I was scared but if that would happen to me know I would not do it.  They were very cold and no feel for the patient.  At that time I did not look up anything.  Not I am on the internet looking up all the information I can.  I do have a good urologist know and he is very good to all his patint.  He is very caring and he is looking to help you not his pockets.  What ever you dicide is up to you alone.  Being 60 my doctor does a PSA 1 time a year.  Enjoy your life and don't worry...Ken
    • craig84609
      craig84609 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Thanks Ken. This is probably why I don't want the PSA now because it will be high and it is probably why she didn't give me one. She didn't comment on how my prostate felt but I would immagine that if something was odd she would have said so. What I didn't like about the meeting was she said that there is a reason for the infection and now not sure what she will say when I go back in. If it is cleared up I think there is no reason to go on a hunt for something that isn't there. If she told me that I possibly had cancer I would feel inclined to have a biopsy based in fear. I would want it to clear it up one way or the other. I am trying to spare myself the stress. You are right as well just live and have fun. After this infection clears I want to forget this whole thing. I will probably have PSA tests starting at age 50. Until then I would like my doctor to leave it alone.
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 craig84609

      Posted

      Thats right.  Just have fun and enjoy all you can. Also information is the key.  The internet is great ...Good luck.Ken
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