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Positive prostate PSA home test, really worried.

livinglamden
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Hi folks, I noticed I've had some issues with slow peeing and constipation a year ago. The doctors didn't find anything in my blood at the time, I also had a physical prostate exam which was concluded as normal at the time. However, the issues have continued. For a while I feel as if my doctor may think I'm more anxiety ridden than anything else.. or maybe I'm not explaining it well enough.

Either way, out of curiously and the related symptoms, I ordered a home PSA antigen test. I took it and it was positive. It doesn't give specific figures but does indicate that the levels are higher than normal. I just wondered if anybody had any further advice? Does this mean it's likely I have prostate cancer? How reliable are these tests etc etc?

I have arranged an appointment but I just wondered If anyone has any experiences or advice on this kind of thing?

I'm a 32yo male.

Thank you so much for your help here, very grateful!

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    Hi livinglamden, and welcome, I can understand you being worried, the thought of cancer will do that, but in all my time in healthcare, and now having prostate cancer PCa, I haven't known anyone under 40 get PCa, and never heard of anyone as young as you having it, as for home testing, I doubt they are a good idea, even with all the resources of the NHS, they are only 75% accurate, then there are other conditions that can raise your PSA, not to mention sexual activity and exercise. I think 99% of guys who get PCa are over 50, and unless you have a strong familial link to PCa, though not impossible I think the likelyhood of you having it are tiny, I'm sur your appointment ill give you peace of mind.

    Eddie

  • Offline in reply to eddiel

    Thank you so much for your reply Eddie, wishing you all the very best. This really helped calm me down. 

    Sam

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    We don't endorse the use of home testing kits, as it is better to have a conversation with your GP, about any new symptoms, or health concerns. Also, the quality of testing kits will vary. A PSA test does not diagnose cancer on it's own. It is a protein expressed when there are conditions affecting the prostate. It can be raised for a variety of different reasons. I don't know why you are thinking of prostate cancer particularly, but it would be rare in someone of your age. Urinary symptoms in younger people are usually related to other more common issues, such as infection, inflammation, or kidney issues. Also, STD's (sexually transmitted diseases) can also cause symptoms.

    There is advice about constipation on the NHS website

    So, do make an appointment with your GP, who can assess you and advise further. If you are worrying about your health generally, then do mention this to your GP as well.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

    Vanda

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