Serious mens health question

[Minnie824]

My friend just told me that her dad (in his mid 50s) had his regular dr. appointment and found out that his prostate testing (PSA test, I think?) was high. I guess the level is supposed to be 3.5 and his was 5.x. Obviously they're both really worried, so I want to try to find out some information to reassure her. Does this mean that he definitely has cancer? What are the odds that everything is alright? Please add some prayers and pixie dust also. Thanks.

 

[ltldeb]

Sending some prayers and pixie dust for your friends Dad. I don't know a lot about prostrate cancer, but I do know that my step-dad had a problem and they removed it. That was several years ago and he's been fine ever since.

 

[Serena]

I don't know the answers to your questions, but I do know a couple people who had that cancer and are perfectly alright now.
I'll send a prayer and some pixie dust too for your friend and her dad.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My dad had his levels checked every 6 mons. since he was in a higher risk category. His levels got up there and it turned out he had cancer.
He had surgery and it is cancer free.
The reassuring part for your friends dad it that he is taking care of his health by getting regular check ups.
Here is some P&PD for your friend::::::::
I hope everything turns out alright.

 

[Dan Murphy]

As with many medical tests, the results of tests are usually only indicators of further evaluation....let's take a look at this more thoroughly. An elevated PSA can come from other things other than prostate cancer. The important thing is your friend's dad is taking care of his health by getting those all important checkups and tests. And, very imortant to follow up, and if need be, get second opinions.

Here is a link that may be of some help.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2x.asp?sitearea=LRN&dt=36

 

[princess lovers mom]

A PSA test alone is not good enough, I hope that he had a rectal exam too. If there is a palpable lump along with an elevated PSA the chances of cancer are higher. A large percentage of older men have undiagnosed prostate cancer. It usually is a slow growing contained cancer and often does not need treatment in the older male. Unfortunately your friend is younger so the chances of it being something more invasive is a bit higher so he should definately proceed with a specialist referral, ultrasound, and biopsy of any mass so that treatment can begin early for a chance of complete recovery. Prayers sent your way...

All men should insist on a rectal exam at their annual not just a PSA

 

[fklhou]

Good luck. A great deal of research has been done on prostate cancer. Mike Miliken (the Drexel Burnham junk bond person) is currently in remission using a diet his researchers discovered. Miliken has his own research foundation and have done a tremedous amout of research in this area. Hopefully, it will turn out to be a false positive but if prostate cancer is discovered, there are some good treatment options available.