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Getting checked

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 1:34 pm
by Guest Posts
My father in law has suffered from prostate cancer and knowing that this can be hereditary how often and when should my husband have PSA checks?

Thank you, Sarah

Re: Getting checked

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 12:08 am
by Mr Benjamin Challacombe
If you have a family history of prostate cancer then you should consider a PSA test at 45years old. If you have Braca2 gene or multiple first degree relatives with the disease this could be done at age 40. If you are Afro-Caribbean then you also have a higher risk and should have a PSA at 45.

Re: Getting checked

Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2020 3:07 pm
by Dr Prasanna Sooriakumaran
Dear Sarah

Prostate cancer affects 1 white British man in 8 during their lifetimes. This figure doubles to 1 in 4 for those with a father who's had it. If your husband is Black it doubles again to 1 in 2. Hence, your husband should get a PSA tested from the age of 45 (if White) or 40 (if Black).

How the PSA changes with time is also important so even if the PSA is "normal" he should be on regular testing. I have written in the medical literature about PSA screening so you can perhaps look up these articles if needed.

Cheers

PS
scastle@santishealth.org