Prostate cancer. A useful resource. (5 Viewers)

[Oldrat]

Jim (would you consider making this post a sticky in an appropriate place?

I wouldn’t normally expect one forum to promote another, but I wonder if, in this case, it might be acceptable.


I’m a bit of an evangelist about promoting early checks for discovering PC. I’m a survivor of 3 1/2 years and am only around because I asked to be checked.

Are you one of those guys who spend ages at a urinal, have you ever wondered why?

Of course it could just be age related. This forum will help you find out more information, and may just save your life.


It’s a very useful forum run by the MacMillan nursing is an excellent resource for anyone worried about Prostate cancer.

It’s one of the few cancers that, providing you find it early enough, you can survive with a 100% normal life.

Prostate cancer forum

A group for anyone affected by prostate cancer to share experiences and ask questions. Whether you or someone you know has been diagnosed, here you can discuss treatment options, side effects, prostatectomy and anything else that’s on your mind.

community.macmillan.org.uk

 

[Nirvanauk]

Had mine checked just befor covid. Managed to get on the treatment program at St. James During lockdown 1. Going for psa test tomorrow and if ok I will be discharged so hopefully that’s me sorted. Great radiotherapy treatment from all the professionals at Jimmys.

 

[sedge]

Plus - shedloads of places in the UK have Support groups with people locally you can speak to about this that or indeed the other. There's an organisation called Tackle which now represents all such UK Groups, whereas Prostate UK now only gives general info plus helps individuals - and that's only been agreed earlier this year. You have long been supposed to be able to request a PSA blood test from your own GP but many of them have been long taught to expect it to not be reliable and it still isn't 100% reliable BUT it is now a lot more reliable than it once was. GPs do have to give you advice about 'what happens if/when' though, plus will generally want to don surgical gloves and stick their finger up your bum to see if the gland is enlarged even though you can have an enlarged prostate without the reason being cancer - but the only way of really telling the difference is an MRI scan which no GP can do anyway but you'll very soon get that should the blood test look iffy so you get referred PDQ to the Urology dept at your local hospital. And the hospital and you, take it from there.

Our local support group hold a monthly open meeting, so existing members plus anyone who happens to be interested, can attend. Sometimes we have a speaker, who we'll also ask to answer audience questions and sometimes it's purely social.

We welcome partners and families at our group and our secretary also volunteers and helps man the Tackle Helpline. https://tackleprostate.org/

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[scotjimland]

Are you one of those guys who spend ages at a urinal, have you ever wondered why?

I went to the GP with this problem,.. finger up the bum confirmed enlarged prostate but no signs of a tumour .. but they can only examine one side of the gland.. so that was followed up by a PSA test that was negative ..

Was given a prescription for Tamsulosin capsules , one a day to reduce swelling which worked great and can now pee like a horse ..well, a pony anyway .. such a relief literally

For too long I put up with taking ages to pee and up during the night several times for the loo, don't hesitate , have it examined.

Check your risk

Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK

It's the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don't have symptoms. Find out about your risk now.

prostatecanceruk.org

 

[pjay]

A brief resume...

Went to docs a few years ago, had a PSA test which was fairly high so sent to a hospital specialist who did the finger up the bum thing, next was an MRI scan which confirmed there was a shadow on my prostate. Next step was a biopsy, confirmation of cancer in the prostate but no spread towards the edges which is good ish news. Next step was to see a consultant.
Because I also have Ulcerative Colitis, any form of chemo or radiation was out of the question so nothing for it he said, its gonna have to come out.
Next step was an operation, a Robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, which is basically an operation carried out with robotic arms so there is minimal opening up of the body, a bit like keyhole surgery but on a larger scale. Next thing I woke up and had no Prostate, a few weeks later, prostate biopsy back confirmed no cancer at the edge of the prostate so only a slim chance that the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

2 years later after numerous PSA tests and check ups my PSA is still virtually undetectable, so i'm pretty much in the clear although I still have to have regular PSA tests for a few more years yet.

Life is precious, get yourself tested guys

 

[DT]

Monitor your PSA every year without fail, badger your Doctor if necessary. I regularly made an appointment after my birthday and after many years graphing my level there was a spike in the reading. That put into motion a biopsy (had sepsis) which confirmed cancer. Decided to have surgery which was carried out in Birmingham. For five years post op I was advised to take an annual PSA test looking for a zero reading. This November was my last test . My father died too early from this horrible disease.

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[Stealaway]

Everybody on here should go the doctors tomorrow and ask for a PSA test.
There is no other early warning for the onset of prostate problems.
Any man who has noticed even any difference in peeing should definitely have one.

 

[Oldrat]

Everybody on here should go the doctors tomorrow and ask for a PSA test.
There is no other early warning for the onset of prostate problems.
Any man who has noticed even any difference in peeing should definitely have one.

Only those who have a prostate surely

I nearly said ‘only blokes’ but you never know nowadays eek!

 

[Winger]

In the last 6 mths I’ve had a PSA test and my prostrate tickled 3 times, thankfully no issues

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[pjay]

Having had Prostate cancer and also having Ulcerative colitis I'm now on on first name terms with all the 'finger up the bum' crew at Norfolk & Norwich hospital, just sayin'

Pete

 

[Hettie's Crew]

I requested a PSA test in July, no symptoms whatsoever, not even the slightest but there had been a lot about it on the telly asking people to get checked. I was there getting my annual cholesterol test.
Result was 4 which is very slightly raised, referred to the local specialists for digital rectal examination and they found a very slight swelling on one side. I was then referred for an MRI scan which showed the swelling. Next step biopsies, 14 of them which isn’t pleasant but not too bad. The results showed the swelling to be nothing to be concerned about, no cancer but the area with no swelling and no result on the MRI showed cancerous cells. Completely undetected by DRE or MRI.
Do not just rely on a digital rectal examination, especially done by a GP.
PSA blood test first, then referral to specialist services if raised, GP’s aren’t doing digital examinations all day every day like the specialists are.
I keep telling all of my male friends to insist on the PSA blood test but I’m horrified by how many say their GP will only do it if symptoms are present.
As my specialist said to me, when symptoms are present you could be too far down the line.
I feel extremely fortunate to have a good GP and excellent specialist services in this area, plus the good sense to ask for a PSA blood test.
Get your PSA levels done annually regardless of age, mine has been caught very early and I’m now ‘on the books’ and been monitored closely.
Tell your GP, don’t ask, it’s your right under NHS Guidelines.

 

[Nixdorfer]

Contacted my doc to arrange a PSA test and blood pressure tests months ago as never had them done. Never hear back.

You've reminded me to chase them up , my grandad died of it and my dad had prostate issues but not cancer so assume I'm prob on the higher risk side.

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[Hettie's Crew]

Contacted my doc to arrange a PSA test and blood pressure tests months ago as never had them done. Never hear back.

You've reminded me to chase them up , my grandad died of it and my dad had prostate issues but not cancer so assume I'm prob on the higher risk side.

Another thing my specialist said to me was “This is your health, you have to take control of it and not rely on anyone”

 

[Spriddler]

At the peak times of publicity I have requested a PSA test, probably 5 or 6 times in the past fifteen years. The same GP has refused, saying that they are unreliable, inconclusive and not cost-effective. The last time I asked because although I avoided fluids after around 8 o'clock in the evening I was having to go to the loo twice or sometimes thrice a night but he just dismissed me, saying: "What do you expect at your age?".
I'm 78 now and according to him I'm not now in the permitted NHS screening age group anyway.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

At the peak times of publicity I have requested a PSA test, probably 5 or 6 times in the past fifteen years. The same GP has refused, saying that they are unreliable, inconclusive and not cost-effective. The last time I asked because although I avoided fluids after around 8 o'clock in the evening I was going to the loo twice or sometimes thrice a night but he just dismissed me, saying: "What do you expect at your age?".
I'm 78 now and according to him I'm not in the permitted NHS screening age group anyway.

Simple, report the GP to the GMC or change GP’s. It’s your life that’s at stake. Do something! Now!

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[Nirvanauk]

As above. Go and see another GP in the practice but you have to do something

 

[Minxy]

I'm pleased you've started this thread as I've been meaning to post this Blog link for ages.

For those of you who don't know who the people are they used to do a Blog called 'Foxes Afloat' as they lived on a narrow boat but then moved to a croft in the Highlands so do one about their life etc there now (every Friday at 4.00 pm). They're very down to earth and can be a right giggle however they also talk about serious stuff too, mental health being a biggie as Colin suffers with that, but Shaun had prostate cancer a few years ago so they decided to do this specific Blog to try to encourage others to talk about it and get checked. Even if you're not a fan of them it's very interesting and informative.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Prostate cancer - PSA testing

There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. This is because it has not been proved that the benefits would outweigh the risks.

www.nhs.uk

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[scotjimland]

At the peak times of publicity I have requested a PSA test, probably 5 or 6 times in the past fifteen years. The same GP has refused, saying that they are unreliable, inconclusive and not cost-effective. The last time I asked because although I avoided fluids after around 8 o'clock in the evening I was having to go to the loo twice or sometimes thrice a night but he just dismissed me, saying: "What do you expect at your age?".
I'm 78 now and according to him I'm not now in the permitted NHS screening age group anyway.

He's talking bollox.. there is no screening program for prostrate cancer .. end of story ..

instead

Report him and get another GP .. now!

Should you know your PSA level?​

Instead of a national screening programme, there is an informed choice programme, called prostate cancer risk management, for healthy men aged 50 or over who ask their GP about PSA testing. It aims to give men good information on the pros and cons of a PSA test.

If you're aged 50 or over and decide to have your PSA levels tested after talking to a GP, they can arrange for it to be carried out free on the NHS.

If results show you have a raised level of PSA, the GP may suggest further tests.

 

[rod_vw]

I requested a PSA test in July, no symptoms whatsoever, not even the slightest but there had been a lot about it on the telly asking people to get checked. I was there getting my annual cholesterol test.
Result was 4 which is very slightly raised, referred to the local specialists for digital rectal examination and they found a very slight swelling on one side. I was then referred for an MRA scan which showed the swelling. Next step biopsies, 14 of them which isn’t pleasant but not too bad. The results showed the swelling to be nothing to be concerned about, no cancer but the area with no swelling and no result on the MRA showed cancerous cells.
Do not just rely on a digital rectal examination, especially done by a GP.
PSA blood test first, then referral to specialist services if raised, GP’s aren’t doing digital examinations all day every day like the specialists are.
I keep telling all of my male friends to insist on the PSA blood test but I’m horrified by how many say their GP will only do it if symptoms are present.
As my specialist said to me, when symptoms are present you could be too far down the line.
I feel extremely fortunate to have a good GP and excellent specialist services in this area, plus the good sense to ask for a PSA blood test.
Get your PSA levels done annually regardless of age, mine has been caught very early and I’m now ‘on the books’ and been monitored closely.
Tell your GP, don’t ask, it’s your right under NHS Guidelines.

That sounds so familiar. Last Spring when I had a couple of friends who were prostate cancer patients so decided to speak to my GP surgery. Initially I was told that they didn't do PSA tests on demand but changed their minds quickly when I pointed out the NHS / government advice. The initial physical examination at the surgery didn't indicate any abnormalities but was sent for the PSA test which came back at 10. Fast forward to now (although actually not so fast) I'm on the HT and waiting to be called for a consultation with the radiotherapy team.
Looking on the forum as linked above it looks to me that I could be waiting up to six months for that but will be speaking to my local RT department which is at the infamous Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital Trust!
Does anyone know if the recently announced multibeam radiotherapy (Cyberknife) is available in any health trusts on the NHS other than inner London, Mount Vernon and Birmingham?

 

[rod_vw]

At the peak times of publicity I have requested a PSA test, probably 5 or 6 times in the past fifteen years. The same GP has refused, saying that they are unreliable, inconclusive and not cost-effective. The last time I asked because although I avoided fluids after around 8 o'clock in the evening I was having to go to the loo twice or sometimes thrice a night but he just dismissed me, saying: "What do you expect at your age?".
I'm 78 now and according to him I'm not now in the permitted NHS screening age group anyway.

Don't take NO for an answer, I had to demand it forcefully and am glad I did. Your GP does not have the liberty to refuse, he needs reporting to the GMC.

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[Spriddler]

Simple, report the GP to the GMC or change GP’s. It’s your life that’s at stake. Do something! Now!

As above. Go and see another GP in the practice but you have to do something

My GP is lead doctor/senior partner/head of practice and since it was he who said it was their policy I saw little point in changing to another GP there but I'll have a go.
I'd rather not report him as I don't want to compromise my reception at any future appointments, although when he said they don't do tests because they are not cost effective I couldn't help but reply that it certainly wasn't cost effective for me after 45 years of contributions.

 

[DT]

Never ever accept NO.

 

[Spriddler]

Prostate cancer - PSA testing

There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. This is because it has not been proved that the benefits would outweigh the risks.

www.nhs.uk

Yes, that sums up my GP's comments except that he has completely refused my requests for tests.

A couple of my pals are contacted regularly by their practises for all manner of precautionary and age-related screenings/tests: Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Enlarged aorta, etc. etc. but in 43 years at my practice I've never been contacted with offers for anything whatsoever. Mind you, I've probably only been there perhaps once every 2 or 3 years and always for self-inflicted problems. E.g. possible poisoning from soup I made with some dog walk gathered mushrooms, DIY injuries, dog bites etc. and in every case they have sent me to A&E !!

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[Hettie's Crew]

Yes, that sums up my GP's comments except that he has completely refused my requests for tests.

A couple of my pals are contacted regularly by their practises for all manner of precautionary and age-related screenings/tests: Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Enlarged aorta, etc. etc. but in 43 years at my practice I've never been contacted with offers for anything whatsoever. Mind you, I've probably only been there perhaps once every 2 or 3 years and always for self-inflicted problems. E.g. possible poisoning from soup I made with some dog walk gathered mushrooms, DIY injuries, dog bites etc. and in every case they have sent me to A&E !!

The point is he can’t refuse, he can only advise you. It’s your choice and right.

 

[Oldrat]

I’m so glad that this thread has attracted so much attention so quickly.

The topic needs airing- us blokes are notoriously bad at seeking help when it comes to health. My overall experience was positive- telling my family that I had cancer was the hardest part though.

Because mine was caught early, I’m 3.5 years clear now, with undetectable PSA levels. And yes, reassuringly, everything still works, but no more kids though!

Since having my prostate out in 2020, I have always urged my friends and contacts to get checked.

As a result, five people I know have been diagnosed with PC, one left it a year and yep, you've guessed it, not good, prostate out along with some other bits and sadly the cancer has spread.

Get it checked and do so asap.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Had a high PSA reading so had the spinning fingerfollowed by scan and all good.
Have had same again and all seems fine still
Hopefully no more spinning for a while

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[Hettie's Crew]

Had a high PSA reading so had the spinning fingerfollowed by scan and all good.
Have had same again and all seems fine still
Hopefully no more spinning for a while

Please see my post #11
My cancer was not detected by MRI or DRE.

 

[Madcaravanner]

I have a non cancerous enlarged prostate (confirmed by Uroscopy and biopsies) had a year on the dreaded but helpful Finasteride (in 2016) still suffering the side-effects which are more psychological as well as physical but now controlled by using Tadalafil in small doses daily

I have 6 monthly PSA and HbA1C (diabetes) and FBC (for Rivaroxaban)

Everyone if you have a prostate get it checked

 

[lorger]

Have prostate problems just now, thankfully nothing too serious just several toilet visits a night. I’ve had all the test and everything coming back ok, just enlarged, my Dr asked me to keep a record of my night time toilet visits so he could see how bad it was. Every time I visited the toilet I’d take a screenshot of my phone so I could fill my spreadsheet in later, over 2 months I averaged 5 visits per night, Dr said he’d refer me to Urologist but could be over a year as I’m not urgent. Thankfully I have Bupa and got seen within a week, few tests done and again nothing sinister just not emptying my bladder, prescribed medication which has reduced it to twice a night, unfortunately due to side effects I’ve had to come off medication. Told to try it for a couple of weeks to see if side effects cease, they have reduced after 4 days so that’s good, after this it’s probably surgery which means a steam lance up somewhere not to pleasant

Was given a prescription for Tamsulosin capsules , one a day to reduce swelling which worked great and can now pee like a horse ..well, a pony anyway .. such a relief literally

This is what I was prescribed, unfortunately have side effects so had to stop.

Guys if you think a finger up the bum is embarrassing just imagine how embarrassing it would be to tell your family you have cancer because you were embarrassed, go and get checked.

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