Question:
it scares me often because my grandpa died from prostate cancer, does that mean i have a good chance of getting it?
Answer:
No guarantees in this life. I've seen different stats but all agree there is a genetic link. They're apparently working on tests that could determine if you carry a gene that predisposes you to p.c. but that's likely years away. My doc suggests if your father had p.c. your risk is doubled. If your brother had it the risk is 8x greater. My dad had it at age 67; I was diagnosed in Nov. 2003 at the age of 47. My bro, who is 56, is still p.c. free. My son and nephews will definitely be on alert.
I believe every man should start having annual PSA tests at age 40, whether nor not there is a family history. It's just a simple blood test, an inconvenience for an hour or so, no big deal. When my PSA level jumped from 1.5 to 3.5 it was a strong indicator. (I also had the dreaded digital rectal exam annually. The tumor was never detected by this method.)
Unbelievably some doctors still don't recommend testing til age 50 despite lots of evidence that men are being diagnosed earlier and earlier. The worry and the treament suck, no question, but early diagnosis probably saved my life. Thanks to my doc for insisting on testing starting at age 40.
Get tested and put your mind at ease. Good luck
Answer:
No guarantees in this life. I've seen different stats but all agree there is a genetic link. They're apparently working on tests that could determine if you carry a gene that predisposes you to p.c. but that's likely years away. My doc suggests if your father had p.c. your risk is doubled. If your brother had it the risk is 8x greater. My dad had it at age 67; I was diagnosed in Nov. 2003 at the age of 47. My bro, who is 56, is still p.c. free. My son and nephews will definitely be on alert.
I believe every man should start having annual PSA tests at age 40, whether nor not there is a family history. It's just a simple blood test, an inconvenience for an hour or so, no big deal. When my PSA level jumped from 1.5 to 3.5 it was a strong indicator. (I also had the dreaded digital rectal exam annually. The tumor was never detected by this method.)
Unbelievably some doctors still don't recommend testing til age 50 despite lots of evidence that men are being diagnosed earlier and earlier. The worry and the treament suck, no question, but early diagnosis probably saved my life. Thanks to my doc for insisting on testing starting at age 40.
Get tested and put your mind at ease. Good luck
You are so right. No history in my family that I know of. Was diagnosed in 2002 at age 45. DRE, just as you said showed nothing(from more than one doctor). At the suggestion of my family doctor had PSA done. Came back 4.6 and free PSA came back 14. Surgery showed tumors not picked up by DRE or biopsy. PSA is not perfect but is the best we have right now. Bite the bullet & get it done. I agree earlier testing should be done.--Positive4U
Answer:
My father was stricken at age 55 - I had the joy at age 49. You need to be PSA tested to be on the safe side! PSA testing was NOT available when my dad was diagnosed - he was in stage 3 or 4. I was in stage 1 and have tested cancer free for 9 months following RRP surgery - not a pleasant experience but now I expect to die of old age.
DO PSA TESTING - ALL MEN SHOULD KNOW THEIR PSA NUMBERS!