I hope everyone will accept my appologies for posting a discussion on prostate cancer on this forum , there is a close link though between prostate and breast cancer. I lost my cousin to breast cancer and was myself diagnosed with prostate cancer a year ago via routing blood test by my GP.
Men are not very good at going to their doctors if they have problems and also not very good either at raising issues such as prostate cancer awareness. Women on the other hand are infinately better and I have noticed the majority signing the petition below are women. I therefore thought it would be a good idea to try and gain support for the peition on this site.
A year ago I was diagnosed with aggresive prostate cancer aged 54 via a routine blood test (PSA) via my GP, I had no symptoms and was lucky. I advised my friends to have a PSA test and all were told by their doctor that as they had experienced no symptoms (problems with water works) it was not necessary. Most men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms at all, it is only when the tumor has grown that symptoms are experienced.
The AICR (Association for International Cancer Research) have a campaign called ‘More Tests, Fewer Deaths’ petition online at the Prime Minister’s Number 10 Website to change NHS policy to make the PSA test available on demand for all men over 50 and help save more than 10,000 men who die of prostate cancer each year.
Hi col,
my 80 yr old husband has had a very high PSA for the last 8 or so yrs, initially picked up by normal PSA testing at the GP. He has had 2 biopsies, the first one very painful with no local anaesthetic, second one a lot easier. He has a very enlarged prostate, and the usual symptoms of frequent urination, but 3 months ago starting having blood, and clots, in his urine and burning on urination.
I am just his wife, not his keeper, so it is is difficult to get him to be proactive. The GP has given him 3 different antibiotics, the last one, Cipro, seems to have the infection sorted out. He is now on Finasteride to control the growth of the prostate, and I am just praying it will not turn to cancer.
Having had bc myself, only found at a normal 3 yrly mammo when I was 58 yrs, as the tumour was non palpable, I am only too aware of early detection and diagnosis of cancer, in any form, having lost my father to colon cancer, which was inoperable, and my twin to a huge brain tumour at 50 yrs old… also inoperable. I have signed the petition and thank you for bringing this most important matter to our attention.
Yes, thanks for drawing this to our attention. I’ve just signed it. We know of a few men with this disease. Most recently, a colleague of Grandad’s found out he had it when he went to donate blood. He’d had no symptoms. He was put on Taxotere and no further treatment required. Grandad himself requested a PSA test and was given the all clear, thankfully.
Good luck to you, and good luck to us all.
Maureen xx
Hi Col
Totally accept your posting - we all need support at times like this and what’s a few minutes (if that) clicking away. just to say have clicked away and signed up.
Bumping this up
Good luck
xx
Thanks everyone for the fabulous response to my posting, I am touched by the kind messages and support of the campaign (which has now reached 736 signatures) but sad to hear some of you have been affected directly with the desease. Just a reminder to click on the link emailed to you and check to see if your name has been added to the bottom of the list (it some times takes a couple of attempts).
I have signed via my sons Email ( I only have access to my works email and this is a government one so I couldn’t use it).
My very best wishes and heartfelt thanks for being active on this, I have three males in the house and I have had to embarrass them by asking if they are aware of how to examine themselves. Both boys have had problems in their most intimate areas and have rather talked to me than their dad, is this such a male taboo?
Hi
my husband was asked to have a blood test for psa levels as a trial open to all men over 45 in our area.
He was called back for another blood test. He was then called back for a biopsy. At that time he was 50, he had aggressive prostate cancer, with no symptoms, quickly had a radical prostatectomy and is currently very well, although his PSA level is rising, he was told at the op if he had left it another 6 months he would not be here.
The trial has now been withdrawn as not being very useful, it saved my hubbys life and probably a few more. Women have all kinds of health checks, what is a quick blood test for a man???
Good luck
Hi I have signed.I work for Asda which actively supports breast cancer through Tickled Pink,however we also fund raise for Everyman,which is equivalent for prostate cancer,and my hubby raised over £1000 last year through a parachute jump.It should be as heavily promoted to raise awareness,so I will do what I can
xx
Thanks everyone again for your help and comments. Unfortuantely my test results were not good on Friday which makes me even more determined to try and help other men at risk of prostate cancer by promoting the petition. Early detection is vital, especially for the aggessive types of the cancer.
Liz - good luck to your husband, yiou don’t mention his PSA levels but they do increase with age. It sounds like your husband may have BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) where the prostate gland slowly gets bigger with age and may press on the urethra and can make it difficult to pass urine but it does not cause cancer or increase the risk of developing cancer. Make sure he does get checked often though as BPH and prostate cancer can exist side by side.
Mary - had not heard of the Everyman charity before and thanks for any help you can provide.