Psa test

[Dex_21]

I’m 45yo recently has a psa test of 9.8 two weeks ago kinda freaked out. Seeing a urologist on Wednesday 4/13 I’m sure will want to retest should I lay off eating red meat or any meat in general?

[Tall_Allen]

Meat has no effect. Sex and bike riding within 2 days might. Also, avoid these supplements:

prostatecancer.news/2019/04...

Most elevated PSA is caused by benign causes (mainly prostatitis or BPH). There are some tests that are better than just PSA. Ask for a Prostate Health Index (PHI) test or 4Kscore (whichever your insurance covers).

[Magnus1964]

I would forget meat anyway. What was your PSA score?

[Dex_21 in reply to Magnus1964]

9.8

[Magnus1964 in reply to Dex_21]

Sorry, now I see it. I would at least get a biopsy.

[Hidden in reply to Magnus1964]

Over here in NZ, the practice is to get an MRI before the biopsy, after three successive high PSA tests, where "high" is determined by age.

If the MRI determines there is cancer, a biopsy is done to determine which type.

This is less invasive and less risk of infection, and the oncologist gets to see the whole prostate as opposed an initial biopsy before MRI, which can miss bits. The MRI also allows the oncologist to target the bits where the cancer is present, so less hit and miss, therefore less samples taken.

[MrG68]

There’s a LOT of things that can elevate your psa. You should be mindful of the following points:

-> the actual test has a lot of variability. It can vary from different machines, human error, what you’ve eaten, sexual activity, physical exercise, excessive fasting.

-> you shouldn’t rely on any single data point. Do a series of psa tests and use the delta changes between them.

-> the threshold of 4 was actually a made up on the fly. There wasn’t any scientific reason to choose 4.

-> some people who have a psa less than 4 have cancer. Some people with a psa around 10 do not.

-> the psa test doesn’t show any indication of the aggressiveness of the cancer nor can it determine even if you have it.

-> people have different experiences when having a biopsy. Some breeze it and wonder what the fuss was all about. Others have infections and feel extremely uncomfortable doing it.

All my opinion of course and sure that others will disagree.

To me, it’s EXTREMELY important that you know exactly what’s happening and what the process involves and what side effects. This will allow you to make an informed decision to any treatments. Do NOT rely on anyone else for your health. Understand what’s happening and make YOUR decision. Do not feel you have to make some decision there and then in your urologists office. Take a bit of time to understand and reflect and weigh up any risks. Every procedure has some associated risk. Just know what they are and the probability of these events.

For what it’s worth, I believe the psa test has a lot of issues. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. You can have a psa test every week if you like. It’s just a blood draw. I believe that taking a time series of data points is the best way to do it. Like others have suggested though, I’d consider other available tests as well.

[CAMPSOUPS]

One thing at a time. You'll be fine.Re-check PSA.

Get one or both of the tests that Tall Allen suggested.

Make sure your not taking any of the supplements listed in the link Tall Allen gave you and yes a possibility sex and or bike riding can affect PSA so avoid a couple days before test.

Let your Dr.'s guide you and welcome here you can get further opinions here.

For now one thing at a time though. Get your tests and see your Dr. on 4/13.

[DLewis]

Meat? That wouldn't stop me. The fact you are 45 means there was indication that you needed to be tested.

For someone that old, it's a good idea if:

Have at least one first-degree relative (such as your father or brother) who has had prostate cancer

Have at least two extended family members who have had prostate cancer

Are African-American, an ethnicity that has a higher risk of developing more aggressive cancers

You should be concerned. The fact that you are having PSA tests at 45 is a good thing. It shows you don't want to ignore issues. Treat that part of all this as a good thing. Better to know than not be told until years from now that you are in big, big trouble.

I started getting tested around that age, maybe 45, because my old man had it and my mom's brother had it. Took 18 years to confirm cancer. Currently under Active Monitoring. If they think you need biopsys, I had the 12 needle done while knocked out. Doc didn't thing I could handle it. In hindsight he thought I could have. Inconclusive. Had a MRI. Still inconclusive. Had Fusion biopsy. Bingo. That's a ultrasound image layed on top of MRI images. They can pinpoint the spots they want better when they hit them with a needle. 2 MRIs a year apart look the same. PSA #s have bounced up and down.

As other posts state, PSAs are like a reflection of cancer, but the # doesn't have to positively mean cancer.

[j-o-h-n]

Eat the meat but don't beat it..................

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 04/24/2022 11:45 PM DST - Orthodox Easter