Date:         Tue, 5 Sep 2000 12:15:42 -0400
Reply-To:     Carlos Del Rio <cdelrio@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Carlos Del Rio <cdelrio@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject:      Re: PSA (No Vanagon Content)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I must respond to this.

Certainly, I am glad and relieved that Ron is doing well. I wish him the
best.

I agree that the PSA is a "simple blood test," however, interpreting it (as
a screening tool) is not so straightforward. Many things can elevate the
number, not just prostate cancer. PSA has its uses, though several
specialists' boards disagree on its usefulness. (ACP, ACS, and AUA)

More helpful is the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), which, while uncomfortable,
is preferred. The DRE gives the doctor information on size, shape,
regularity, and consistency of the prostate, as well as screening for colon
cancer, through the fecal occult blood testing. It is recommended yearly for
all males 40 years of age and over. Your doctor should help you decide if a
PSA is necessary in conjunction with the DRE.

Happy and healthy travels to all,

Carlos
www.myhealth.com/Carlos_DelRio
AOL Instant Messenger: cadelrio
ICQ# 34175672

Ron wrote:

"I am 59 years old and flunked my PSA test.  (Prostrate-specific antigen
test.)  Further testing determined I have Prostate Cancer.  Since it had
already spread beyond my prostate my two options were Estrogen shots or
testicle removal.  I opted for the latter.  I had the operation over a month
ago and am pretty much back up to speed.  I only mention this to remind you
all to get your PSA test before it is too late.  I should have been checked
back when I was 45 years old as my family had a history of cancer.  When I
say, "you all" I mean this disease can also affect the women on this list;
financially, emotionally and in many other ways if your partner gets it.  It
will affect everyone among your circle of friends, one way or another.  Any
guy getting into his 50's should be tested.  It's a simple blood test."

I don't want to start a thread about prostate cancer, there is gobs of info
on the Internet about it, but if anyone has specific questions about it I
will answer you privately.