PSA_test_&_cyclists

[JohnT]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healt ... ancer.html

This seems important. I'll try to read the orginal study and follow up with more information very soon.

JohnT

[Chris Watt]

John -- the PSA is actually a terrible screening test because it generates such a high percentage of false positives (false alarms)-- ask Alan about this; he's just written a book about it.

Any mechanical trauma to the prostate can falsely elevate the PSA-- even the doctors well-meaning finger.

Cheers,
Chris

[Alan]

Chris is right, the PSA test is a poor test and a very easy way to fast-track a healthy man into a life of misery.

If you are under 50 and you're worried about your prostate, and have no symptoms, I'd strenuously ask you to consider avoiding getting a PSA test. I do have a chapter on PSA testing in my forthcoming book, and if you want me to hear some tales of drama and excitement about men who have been through the PSA mill, ask me about it next time we're riding together.

If you're over 50 and are still worried, here's a link to "decision aid" to check out before having that talk with your doctor.
http://informedmedicaldecisions.org/imd ... t-for-you/

[wonger]

The real question is how do I get an avatar that makes me look that young?