prostate cancer

[floating dutchman]

No, I do not have cancer, but thing is, here in kiwi land anyway a lot of work goes into preventing and early diagnoses of breast cancer, but prostate cancer stays well below the radar.

For males, prostate cancer accounted for 27.0% of all registrations

For females, breast cancer was the most frequently registered cancer, accounting for 27.5% of female registrations

http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/c ... eaths-2010

Awareness of male health issues are not well recognised.

Who else here will not go to a doctor unless we are actually dying? Me for one.

Movember, the idea is that on the first of November you are clean shaven and grow a moustache during November is gaining pace here in Kiwiland.
You don't have to give money you just have to look a little silly for one month a year to raise awareness or men's health.

Here about 40% of men start the month with the best of intentions (clean shaven), and maybe about 20% actually grow one for the full month, The wife not liking it is the usual reason to shave, but having a go is the important bit, even if you don't make the month because it's to itchy.

Link: http://nz.movember.com/

So here's a real bad selfie showing I'm clean shaven today: (warning to young children, he is that ugly)

Nomo.JPG

?Is this known about / done in other parts of the world?

Jeroen

[IrieMon]

I think the Boston Red Sox took the "facial hair month" to another level. But hey... if it wins you the World Series or makes folks aware of Prostrate Cancer, I'm all for it !

Dad had colon cancer... early detection and radiation made it a non-issue. Not the same, but still worthwhile to have all these manly-men get checked out.

[Britches]

Movember has been something I've been aware of for a few years now as my husband and his rugby team participated years back. I wouldn't say that it's a huge craze sweeping the nation, but I hear about people doing it each year. Apparently it has been going on since 2003 and has raised over $100 million since then. Kind of a cool thing...

I can't pull up the link because youtube is blocked at work, but if you'd like a Friday laugh search for Decembeaver...

[BeauV]

Jeroen, I lost both my parents to cancers that could have (should have) been dealt with early on. Had they paid attention and dragged their sorry asses into a doctor when they first noticed something, they might have been around a decade longer. They might have seen their grandchildren grow up, damn it. I am highly motivated to get myself and others checked at the first sign of trouble and to do all the screening required for cancer and various other things (heart disease etc...). Thanks for reminding us all. BV

[SloopJonB]

My very first "geezer" experience was 10 years ago during my annual physical - my vet told me "It's time you started having your prostate checked every year" - prior to that I was still a kid.

[Ish]

My very first "geezer" experience was 10 years ago during my annual physical - my vet told me "It's time you started having your prostate checked every year" - prior to that I was still a kid.

Prostate check is nothing, wait until your first colonoscopy. I had mine a couple of years ago, and because they found and removed a polyp, I'm on a 2-year rotation for them.
While I don't mind the actual event, although it's not a lot of fun, I really hated the 3-day warmup to it. Clear liquids and Gut Drano. {shudder}

[Orestes Munn]

My very first "geezer" experience was 10 years ago during my annual physical - my vet told me "It's time you started having your prostate checked every year" - prior to that I was still a kid.

Prostate check is nothing, wait until your first colonoscopy. I had mine a couple of years ago, and because they found and removed a polyp, I'm on a 2-year rotation for them.
While I don't mind the actual event, although it's not a lot of fun, I really hated the 3-day warmup to it. Clear liquids and Gut Drano. {shudder}

There are few things worse than the colon prep. Not the anal schpritzing--that's tolerable--but the taste of that nasty, hyperosmotic, salt solution. My last one was in March or something and I can still taste it. You can stick your fattest finger up my ass all day, just don't make me drink any more of that stuff!

[kimbottles]

My very first "geezer" experience was 10 years ago during my annual physical - my vet told me "It's time you started having your prostate checked every year" - prior to that I was still a kid.

Prostate check is nothing, wait until your first colonoscopy. I had mine a couple of years ago, and because they found and removed a polyp, I'm on a 2-year rotation for them.
While I don't mind the actual event, although it's not a lot of fun, I really hated the 3-day warmup to it. Clear liquids and Gut Drano. {shudder}

Yeah, the Prep is way worse than the procedure!

[Orestes Munn]

"The Dreaded Bottom Job", indeed.

[IrieMon]

Got my first "scopy" prep the weekend after Thanksgiving...... Good way to jump-start a winter diet ?

[SloopJonB]

My very first "geezer" experience was 10 years ago during my annual physical - my vet told me "It's time you started having your prostate checked every year" - prior to that I was still a kid.

Prostate check is nothing, wait until your first colonoscopy. I had mine a couple of years ago, and because they found and removed a polyp, I'm on a 2-year rotation for them.
While I don't mind the actual event, although it's not a lot of fun, I really hated the 3-day warmup to it. Clear liquids and Gut Drano. {shudder}

Been there, done that - mine was nice & clear. The citrus cleaner they gave me worked amazingly fast - I was only housebound for about 12 hours.

[Soñadora]

My very first "geezer" experience was 10 years ago during my annual physical - my vet told me "It's time you started having your prostate checked every year" - prior to that I was still a kid.

Prostate check is nothing, wait until your first colonoscopy. I had mine a couple of years ago, and because they found and removed a polyp, I'm on a 2-year rotation for them.
While I don't mind the actual event, although it's not a lot of fun, I really hated the 3-day warmup to it. Clear liquids and Gut Drano. {shudder}

Been there, done that - mine was nice & clear. The citrus cleaner they gave me worked amazingly fast - I was only housebound for about 12 hours.

Had mine done this summer. For those who don't know, you have to drink a GALLON of the electrolyte stuff OM talked about. There is also a medication you need to take. I don't recall what that was, but you had to time everything. You drank a tall glass of that stuff (I measured per instructions) then take the medication. For me, it didn't kick in until the 4th or 5th cycle. Then...well. It was pretty damn amazing, if I must say.

Frankly though, it wasn't all that bad. I started the sequence around 8 p.m. and was done by 3 a.m. Appointment was for 9:30. They found and removed two small 'things' that were 'nothing to worry about'. I wasn't completely out, just sedated so I got to watch it all in high def. Pretty interesting actually. After the procedure, I didn't feel anything. They recommend you have a driver, which I did, but I was completely awake and alert.

I think.

I get to do it again in 5 years.

[floating dutchman]

Well, Most of you are well onto the men's health stuff, That's great!

Beau, I lost my dad to cancer, It was got very early because of luck. Sadly he died about a year later from the cancer anyway, Sometimes getting it early doesn't help. I still miss him.

Word of advice fellas, During November, If your on your way to the smoko room (lunch-room) and happen across some colleagues chatting, DO NOT STOP AND CHAT! I know way to much about Robbie's prostate exam than I needed to, Yea, thanks buddy! I WAS going to enjoy my lunch.

Jeroen

[Joli]

Went through prostate cancer this year. PSA of 18 , T3, Gleason 7, radical prostectamy (sp?) and radiation starting this December. No, none, zero symptoms, no lumps could be felt, average size prostate, felt great, healthy as a horse, eat a good diet, exercise, doesn't run in the family blah blah blah...... Hadn't a care in the world about health, figured I would get everything checked again at 55, could have knocked me over with a feather, my last check up was ~47. Resting heart rate of 40, cholesterol of 130 bp of 110 over 55, all good except for the PSA............. Had we not moved for Polly's new job I would not have gone to a doctor but since we moved we needed a new family doctor and she found it through the blood test. Had we not moved two years ago I think I would be in deep shit.

So all you guys, get your PSA checked every year starting at 40! You never know......

Do I look sick, this is a month before I found out I had a problem.

[Lin]

Went through prostate cancer this year. PSA of 18 , T3, Gleason 7, radical prostectamy (sp?) and radiation starting this December. No, none, zero symptoms, no lumps could be felt, average size prostate, felt great, healthy as a horse, eat a good diet, exercise, doesn't run in the family blah blah blah...... Hadn't a care in the world about health, figured I would get everything checked again at 55, could have knocked me over with a feather, my last check up was ~47. Resting heart rate of 40, cholesterol of 130 bp of 110 over 55, all good except for the PSA............. Had we not moved for Polly's new job I would not have gone to a doctor but since we moved we needed a new family doctor and she found it through the blood test. Had we not moved two years ago I think I would be in deep shit.
So all you guys, get your PSA checked every year starting at 40! You never know......

Do I look sick, this is a month before I found out I had a problem.

Joli, I wish you a speedy recovery. How fortunate that a chance blood test showed something rather than waiting until you had symptoms. That is a tough process to go through, mentally and physically. Hang in there, and stay positive.
You are certainly the picture of health in your photo. Being strong and in shape will surely help you get through the battle easier, than if you did not have that going for you. Best thoughts to you.

This had been a brutal year for people and friends I know, who have been diagnosed with various cancers, heart disease, rare tumors and the list goes on. I am sure looking forward to 2014 and people regaining their health and having them looking forward to having adventures and quality living.

Prostates, breast, colons, skin lesions etc - get them checked regularly. If something just feels very wrong, and you are brushed off, please get a second opinion. btw, some don't realize that men can get breast cancer, too, so be aware of that. (I have met two men, who had breast cancer)

[Joli]

Thanks Lin!

All you guys, go get checked.

[BeauV]

I'd echo Joli's comment - get tested. With the PSA number, do keep in mind that while it's a great indicator it can also have false positives. In my case mine when way up over the course of a year. My doc sent me to a urologist, he couldn't find anything. I felt great - like Joli. While folks were "testing" and I was "worrying" I bumped into a doctor friend who asked if I still rode a bike a lot. "Ya, sure. Why?" His response was interesting. "Your PSA can be high from prostate cancer, but it can also be high from physical injuries to your prostate." You guessed it. Two months later my PSA was normal thanks to a big HOLE in the middle of my bike seat and a re-focus on riding styles that don't require 4 to 5 hours in the saddle. I wish I hadn't spent weeks worrying...

[Orestes Munn]

I'd echo Joli's comment - get tested. With the PSA number, do keep in mind that while it's a great indicator it can also have false positives. In my case mine when way up over the course of a year. My doc sent me to a urologist, he couldn't find anything. I felt great - like Joli. While folks were "testing" and I was "worrying" I bumped into a doctor friend who asked if I still rode a bike a lot. "Ya, sure. Why?" His response was interesting. "Your PSA can be high from prostate cancer, but it can also be high from physical injuries to your prostate." You guessed it. Two months later my PSA was normal thanks to a big HOLE in the middle of my bike seat and a re-focus on riding styles that don't require 4 to 5 hours in the saddle. I wish I hadn't spent weeks worrying...

PSA is one of those great numbers that no one knows quite what to do with. For every guy like Joli whose life is potentially saved, there may be more than one who undergoes a bunch of invasive and expensive treatment and gets the shit scared out of him with no positive impact on outcome. I think they're still checking mine.

Here's what the US Preventive Services Task Force has to say:

Although the precise, long-term effect of PSA screening on prostate cancer–specific mortality remains uncertain, existing studies adequately demonstrate that the reduction in prostate cancer mortality after 10 to 14 years is, at most, very small, even for men in what seems to be the optimal age range of 55 to 69 years. There is no apparent reduction in all-cause mortality. In contrast, the harms associated with the diagnosis and treatment of screen-detected cancer are common, occur early, often persist, and include a small but real risk for premature death. Many more men in a screened population will experience the harms of screening and treatment of screen-detected disease than will experience the benefit. The inevitability of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer as a result of screening means that many men will experience the adverse effects of diagnosis and treatment of a disease that would have remained asymptomatic throughout their lives. Assessing the balance of benefits and harms requires weighing a moderate to high probability of early and persistent harm from treatment against the very low probability of preventing a death from prostate cancer in the long term.

We clearly need better tests.

[Lin]

I agree, OM & Beau. Prostatitis, infections, trauma can cause an elevated PSA, when there is no cancer to be found, and the stress and anxiety associated with false positives is rough. We need a more accurate test. On the other hand, if it screens out one person who is greatly helped by early intervention, then it has some value until a better screening tool can be used.

[Orestes Munn]

I agree, OM & Beau. Prostatitis, infections, trauma can cause an elevated PSA, when there is no cancer to be found, and the stress and anxiety associated with false positives is rough. We need a more accurate test. On the other hand, if it screens out one person who is greatly helped by early intervention, then it has some value until a better screening tool can be used.

I think the thornier problem is that we can't distinguish the prostate tumors that will kill us from the great majority, which will grow so slowly that something else, maybe from your department, finishes us off first.

[Lin]

I agree, OM & Beau. Prostatitis, infections, trauma can cause an elevated PSA, when there is no cancer to be found, and the stress and anxiety associated with false positives is rough. We need a more accurate test. On the other hand, if it screens out one person who is greatly helped by early intervention, then it has some value until a better screening tool can be used.

I think the thornier problem is that we can't distinguish the prostate tumors that will kill us from the great majority, which will grow so slowly that something else, maybe from your department, finishes us off first.

Yes, that is a good point. I do have friends however, who have lost fathers directly related to prostate cancer that had spread to bones and other organs. However, it is often the heart disease (which is often not previously diagnosed), that is revealed during procedures or surgeries that often poses the greater threat.

[Olaf Hart]

Most men with prostate cancer die with it, not of it.

[BeauV]

I agree, OM & Beau. Prostatitis, infections, trauma can cause an elevated PSA, when there is no cancer to be found, and the stress and anxiety associated with false positives is rough. We need a more accurate test. On the other hand, if it screens out one person who is greatly helped by early intervention, then it has some value until a better screening tool can be used.

Hey, I really do believe that folks in my age bracket (61 about to be friggin' 62) should be tested. It's just that the medical professional who tells the patient the "number" needs to tell them ALL of the things that can cause a high number and what can be done to eliminate the false positives. I think it makes perfect sense for guys like me to suffer a little to insure that we catch guys like Joli early enough to do the right thing - that's a no brainer. But, I personally have had WAY too many medical professionals tell me that some number is "out of range" or "needs to be dealt with" without taking the time to figure out that something other action could be indicated or something else could be the cause of the result. Giving the medical professional the time to really go though this with the patient seems the big issue to me. When anyone is measured in meetings/minute you're not going to get the best result.

[kdh]

For what it's worth, I've decided to forego PSA screening. The guy who invented it regrets it.

I still get the digital exam. A computer is not used.

I read a piece about breast cancer recently, where the thesis was that increased prevalence is at least in part associated with increased diagnosis of harmless tumors. Many survivors of breast cancer are merely survivors of breast cancer treatment.

Heresy? Yes. But as Eric points out, science isn't easy.

[Joli]

KDH, you're a rich young man with loved ones and a full life in front of you, you should reconsider your position about the PSA, it's an indicator that is easy and harmless. I was checked digitally and with ultrasound, they found nothing. The biopsy (70% and 20% cancer) confirmed why the high PSA was accurate and I was fortunate the disease had not found its way into my bones or lymph nodes.

Get your PSA checked and monitor it, it's simply one arrow in the quiver.

Regarding the biopsy.......not so much fun.

[Orestes Munn]

For what it's worth, I've decided to forego PSA screening. The guy who invented it regrets it.

I still get the digital exam. A computer is not used.

I read a piece about breast cancer recently, where the thesis was that increased prevalence is at least in part associated with increased diagnosis of harmless tumors. Many survivors of breast cancer are merely survivors of breast cancer treatment.

Heresy? Yes. But as Eric points out, science isn't easy.

It's not heresy and many physicians understand the issues at the population and policy level, yet act very differently in the clinic when faced with individual cases. It comes down to the old relative evaluation of risk problem (nuke plants, terrorists, etc.), where humans often fail to act rationally.

Incidentally, I just looked and I don't seem to have a PSA on my last two 5-year physicals.

[LarryHoward]

Most men with prostate cancer die with it, not of it.

Well aware. MY father had it for 20 years. Swelling controlled by injections. He died from a rapid growth lung tumor after a long, long stroke caused disability and was in full blown Alzheimer's when he died. OTOH, my Father-in-Law had metastasized prostate cancer and died a very painful death once it spread throughout his system, particularly bones. I get a PSA annually. It is a screening test, not a diagnosis.

Keith, with no family history and at a young age, I'd say you should have to test as both a baseline and an imperfect indicator.

[kdh]

Bryan, thank you for your kind words and caring thoughts.

It is hard to think of foregoing the test as other than burying my head in the sand.

[floating dutchman]

Well, Hat's off to any of you fellas with facial hair, this shit is itchy as, And Wife does not like it one bit!

Struggling to last the month...

Mov 22,11,13.JPG

Could come off any day, but trying to keep it on! (itch itch)

Jeroen

[Anomaly]

Memo to Jeroen:

This is a thread about prostate cancer.....

Burp.

Edit: jeezus, what an idiot! I just read the beginning of this thread.... apologies to you Jeroen-- I thought you were just randomly posting mug shots of yourself ....