2 hours ago informed my PSA is 61, aged 52 with no symptoms

Just reaching out, trying to process the news my very capable GP just shared. Heading to the GP surgery for a physical examination day after tomorrow and already referred to a specialist cancer dept but need to secure an appointment. My doctor, whilst trying not to be alarmist, cleary communicated the seriousness of my very new situation.

The only reason I asked for a  PSA blood test was becuase I thoought it was a prudent request at my age (52), literally no symptoms or concerns. I have a colleague at work and a friend who both were successfully treated for prostate cancer but they were both 10 years older than I am now when diagnosed. I know I have to undergo tests before jumping to any conclusions, but a PSA of 61 does (as I have read in the last couple of hours) appear to indicate an advanced or aggressive version. 

Here's my big question, if anyone can help please: Does a PSA of 61 necessarily indicate advanced or agressive prostate cancer, or is it mostly a mark for how likely prostate cancer is present?

Looks like I have a life-changing and life defining chapter ahead.

Thanks for listening :) - great forum BTW with lots of intersting, helpful and compassionate input....

Parents
  • Offline Unpublished Reply

    I’m so sorry you’re going through this – getting a PSA that's high can be incredibly stressful. As worrying as it sounds, most of the time there are actually many many reasons PSA can spike. I can relate to how exhausting it is to be repeatedly tested and waiting on answers. I went through the same cycle with the NHS and eventually tried one of the newer private blood tests. I got the EpiSwitch PSE which has been all over the newspapers recently, which is like a very accurate PSA with extra things they look at in blood. Much more precise, and while it comes at a little bit of a cost, I found the peace of mind was worth it, especially in helping me decide whether a biopsy was needed. I did end up needing one, and while it was nerve-wracking, my cancer turned out to be a slow-growing type, which was a relief. Who know, it may save you a biopsy, at least for some time (?).

    Hang in there. — Tom

Reply
  • Offline Unpublished Reply

    I’m so sorry you’re going through this – getting a PSA that's high can be incredibly stressful. As worrying as it sounds, most of the time there are actually many many reasons PSA can spike. I can relate to how exhausting it is to be repeatedly tested and waiting on answers. I went through the same cycle with the NHS and eventually tried one of the newer private blood tests. I got the EpiSwitch PSE which has been all over the newspapers recently, which is like a very accurate PSA with extra things they look at in blood. Much more precise, and while it comes at a little bit of a cost, I found the peace of mind was worth it, especially in helping me decide whether a biopsy was needed. I did end up needing one, and while it was nerve-wracking, my cancer turned out to be a slow-growing type, which was a relief. Who know, it may save you a biopsy, at least for some time (?).

    Hang in there. — Tom

Children
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