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SE SD | The anniversary of my dad's death from prostate cancer was yesterday. Fourteen years ago. I'll tell you what I know about PSA tests.
A PSA test is much like an oil analysis you have done on an engine. One result doesn't mean a whole lot unless the engine has already failed. What you need is a baseline of results to compare trends. My dad had "passing" PSA tests up to one year prior to his diagnosis but they all were in the "1 to 4 is normal" range. Electronic records weren't as organized as they are now and he had a tendency to hop from one doctor to another. So no one thought his PSA scores in the 3s were a problem.
The best thing you can do is have electronic health records, get an annual PSA test and look at the graph every year. You might have an average PSA of 0.5. Then when cancer forms, it might go to 2 or 3 for a while and by the time it climbs past the 4 range, it's too late.
The PSA test is a simple blood test. It is effective when used properly. The guidelines saying to skip PSA tests after 70 were set because too many people were getting unneeded biopsies. This isn't the fault of the PSA test.
I will assure everyone here...you don't want to die of prostate cancer. It is one of the most painful, drawn out ways to die. | |
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PSA tests
