One example of this is prostate stuff.

As a rule, your prostate gets larger with age, and with it concerns about malignancy (cancer). The vast majority of men die with prostate ‘cancer’ rather than of it, but the concern remains, especially if the cancer spreads (metastasises) to the bones and is then almost untreatable.

Unfortunately, there is no simple, specific test for prostate cancer, and conflicting advice over best course of action, and whether to screen at all, arises because of this. The most common test is a blood test for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), which is simple and cheap. But not specific. If anything, it seems to ‘measure’ size of the prostate rather than anything else, and an elevated reading is absolutely not a reason to panic.

If the reading is higher than expected, you usually take a second measurement a few weeks later; if it’s further increased, then you’ll investigate it some more since it suggests the prostate is growing, and malignancy is one possible reason for that. Our local surgery, Lower Stondon, refuses to test PSA, but offers nothing to replace it, meaning that we often get these tests done privately. Fortunately, many walk-in clinics and online providers do this – click here for an example.

One reason for the reluctance to offer PSA tests is that follow up has in the past been pretty aggressive, but it doesn’t need to be. This article explains more: ‘The PSA is not a ‘bad’ test.

Tests are not that expensive, roughly the same price as MOTing a car, and we wouldn’t think twice about that.

Click HERE to read the government guidance for GPs, which is surprisingly simple.

The expected levels (which can be found in more detail here) are:

• 40 to 49 years: 0 to 2.5 ng/mL
• 50 to 59 years: 0 to 3.5 ng/mL
• 60 to 69 years: 0 to 4.5 ng/mL 
• 70 to 79 years: 0 to 6.5 ng/mL

Signs to keep an eye on are:

• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Urinating often, especially at night
• Trouble emptying the bladder completely
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
• Painful ejaculation

Do keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer, such as a prostate that is inflamed or enlarged, but it’s worth getting them checked out regardless.

Ignorance isn’t helpful when it comes to your health.