Sorry folks but I have to shout this from the rooftops

The ex memsahb had the mammogram which found something at early stage which was dealt with - splendid scheme.
Later, I had some bleeding so doc did the finger business and then I had barium enema X ray - turned out to be piles....ho ho. which made me the butt of jokes.
In both cases, the NHS was terrific but I too would like to see a routine for over 50s screening for men as well.
Healthy new year to everybody.
 
Well done for publicising this problem. I am retired and several of my local friends have died from prostate cancer, more have the disease and are undergoing treatment. I think the figures are out of about 60 men, in the last ten years three have died and one more is currently affected.
The PSA test is being avoided by local doctors as it is said to give too many false positives. Doctors do not want extra work.
 
Quite right...the venue I work at from time to time hosted an event to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness and it is a bigger killer than breast cancer. The difference is that it tends to be slower growing and generally strikes much later in life. As to testicular cancer well yes there should be as much urging for us guys to regualrly check our testes as there is for women to check their breasts. It is mostly curable if caught early enough!!!!!!!
 
I think the fact that almost 1000 of us have viewed Dick's post and so many have posted supportive replies says a lot about this forum in that Dick felt moved to share his good news with us and thought we would be pleased and uplifted by his shout from the rooftops.

What a great Christmas message, it moved me. Thanks Dick.
 
Unfortunately, it is not quite so cut and dried. The PSI test is very unreliable, and even doing what comes naturally, can cause false readings.

There are risks associated with investigations and treatment. Not all prostate cancer is life threatening. Sometimes it is better to watch and wait.

For more information www.pha.u-net.com

Philip
 
My very last word on the subject just before it goes over the forum page into obscurity. My motivation in the orional posting was two-fold. The first was just a feeling of elation that finally a conclusive treatment was under way - purely selfish... The second, and much more important is to bang on about getting checked up. NOT JUST A PSA, but the DRE as well. As someone mentioned the PSA is not 100%...

PLease please get checked each and every year!!!

I have been so amazed by the supportive comments and wishes, and my heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone who has experienced anything along these lines. It is very traumatic. I will never mention this subject again, but to be honest if just one person who has read this thread is now motivated to go and get checked then it has all been very worthwhile.

Have a great New Year... I WILL!!!

Thanks everyone...
 
Goood stuff.... I am in the age range myself and had the test in November. Trouble is my doctor is a big (really big) bloke with equally large digits......take my advice, swallow your pride and see a lady doc. with nice small hands......
 
Like all posters I am pleased for DickB & his successful outcome, especially as his cancer was discovered at an early age & stage in some one without symptoms. I take exception to the comment that doctors do not want the work- recommendations on screening come from the government's advisory panel, it is not up to local Gps or consultants, and recommendations must have sound evidence of benefit and nowadays, cost benefit. PSA is not a simple normal/abnormal test and the morbidity arising from a raised level in a normal case( a so called false positive) is not to be sniffed at- TRUS is not only uncomfortable as alluded too, but can cause bleeding, infection and/or longer term problems- quite a lot to live with if it turns out to be normal.DRE is dependent on operator skill and the British health services do not have enough specialist urologists in the land to treat the patients that are identified, let alone screen all the other males over a set age. Those of you with access to private health care , or who are willing to pay for investigations, by all means go and get seen to . For the rest, I would suggest a visit to your GP or Nurse Practitioner for a chat which might lead on to appropriate examination, but dont assume it will always be the correct outcome, and let that discussion inform how often you should be re screened. As yet we just don't have the long term information to have a stab at a screening interval, you just have to look at the debacle in cervical screening over the last few years & the vast resource consumption, to see how important it is to get it right from the off.
 
I tried to keep my last posting short. However as hocus has raised the danger of damage from medical interference, I will give below the way invetigations can wreck lives. My damage was caused by a drug, but other lives have been devastated following investigations.

Drug companies wish to market their drugs, even if there are safer methods.

I received a letter from my doctor advising me of a new service for men over 50. This was generated in conjunction with a drug company. I ticked the boxes, and received an appointment to see a prostate nurse. (Drug company employee). I was put under pressure to take a drug.

In August 1997 I took three pills, (half dose). By the weekend I had suffered a complete venous shut down with many strokes. I was blind on the nasal side of each eye. My manhood disapeared, (lasted 13 months). I suffered serious brain problems.

From that day on doctors have avoided examining me. They just don't want to admit the damage done.

I got my sight back, but the viterous was destroyed shortly after and then the centre third if the retina began to degererate. Fortunately I knew what to do and have brought the ongoing damage under control.

I think that is enough details, however it is the way this has effected my life that is so serious. I had to give up all my interests. All sailing stopped. The work on my house stopped. (I was planning to let rooms so that I would be able to clear any dept owed my former wife). I have lost at least £55,000 rental income, and have been unable to do regular work for the last 8 years. As a result my wife has the power to kick me out of my home.

Incidentally, if any foramite has vision problems, I will be happy to pass on my experience. At the moment, the evidence is that some retina damage can be repaired, (Brooks Simpkins method and diet). But complete cure may not be possible. However, NASA funded research has already restored sight to blind rats using a similar method.

Philip
 
Hi DickB

Congrats and Best Wishes.

There is another thought I would like to add from my experience. If you ever sense any change in bodily function (however small and I mean small) get it checked out and don't take no for an answer.
Seven years ago I started gentle farting (I have never been a farter but many friends and others might disagree). I took advice and received answers (wrong ones) which satisfied me. There was no change until 3 years ago when things really went haywire and I was diagnosed with inoperable bowel cancer. Fortunately after chemo and radiotherapy it was operable and I am now fully recovered and fitter than ever (I am 70 and off skiing next week)
Two of my friends have recently died of liver cancer because they did nothing about the primary symptoms.
Two of my friends listened to my story, went to the doctor, have been found to have cancer at an early stage and are now OK after their operations.
The moral of the story - watch for changes and do something about it NOW.
( I am always willing to go into more detail if anyone wants to know)
 
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