Prostate cancer test confidence…

[Astray]

I recently requested a physical prostate examination and a PSA test after suffering weeks of constant feelings of a need to urine. I had both of the tests as well as a urine test and was told that everything seemed fine. I was reassured by this, but have since read that both the physical examination and the PSA blood test are unreliable, and that I could still have prostate cancer despite the initial, but fleeting, reassurances that there didn’t seem to be anything of concern.

I am now asking myself if there is anything that I can do to find some reassurance, but I realise that I am unlikely to be referred for any scans as there is no evidence to the doctors that any such scans are actually required.

Could anyone offer their thoughts on all this, please? I am now having real doubts about the value of my tests, and am becoming increasingly worried about my symptoms.,

[NightOwl69]

Hi,If both a physical exam and a PSA test have suggested things are fine then you need to just keep monitoring it. My examinations were the same but my PSA kept creeping up and my prostate kept growing - I'm 54 so nothing unusual. I've had MRI and 2 separate multiple biopsies - all negative. So it looks like I have BHP but I still can't be sure. It is a worry and you find yourself thinking about things and you can become quite paranoid. As long as you're monitored for changes then hopefully you'll be OK. The best thing is to speak to your GP/MD and express your concerns. They will hopefully put your mind at rest or help explore other areas which could be causing the problem. Good luck.

[Astray in reply to NightOwl69]

Thank you for your reply, Nightowl. I’m planning to seek some real clarity on this from my GP as soon as I can. All the doubt and confusion is causing a lot of worry, so I really do need to get this sorted. Thank you again for taking the time to post your comments.

[NightOwl69 in reply to Astray]

No problem! I totally understand the worry. Talking to people always helps otherwise its easy to keep thinking about the negatives. Get advice and let some professionals put your mind at rest.

[Astray]

Thank you. I’ll be doing that as soon as I can get an appointment. I do tend to be quite pessimistic, and I constantly have to guard against that.