Don't bother with certain medical tests if you are over a certain age?

[Trailrider #896]

With the diagnosis of Former President Joseph Biden with prostate cancer, it brings up a tendency by some doctors to say you don't need a PSA test if you are over a certain age. Their reasoning is that even if you are diagnosed with that or something similar beyond a certain age (80 is often quoted) you'll probably die of something else. Similarly, women are sometimes told not to bother with certain tests for the same nonsense!

 

In fact, I know of both men and women who are diagnosed with ailments in their 80's, who were successfully treated, when their problem was caught early, and lived into their 90's or beyond!

 

Pards, get your PSA annually, no matter what age you are!  Ladies get your GYN tests annually, as well as mammograms! If your doctor demurse...FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! 

[Stump Water]

In fact, I know of both men and women that were permanently damaged by the "mandated" colonoscopy.

 

Wanna talk about statins?  How about "the jab"?

 

You do you.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

I'm 83 and the VA has me listed as wanting any tests they feel I need or that I can convince them I really want them, regardless of my age.  I plan to live 19 more years to age 102.  I want to be my own high school class reunion.  (Over half of my class 0f 143 have already died and about half that number have simply vanished.)

[Blackwater 53393]

Because of medications that I take and ny past history, I have certain tests run quarterly! Others at doctor recommended intervals, and I try to keep a close eye out for any abnormal symptoms.

 

It has already extended my lifespan and that of Schoolmarm as well!!

 

I have, by doing this, attained two of the three major goals in my life!

 

1: I have lived long enough to amaze my friends!

 

2: I have lived long enough to REALLY piss off my enemies!

And the third goal, which I’m fast approaching is, I have almost lived long enough to spend my kid’s inheritance!!

 

I hope MOST of ya’s take care of yerowndangselves!! I’d miss most of ya’s and there’s a few I’d still like to meet!!

 

 

[irish ike, SASS #43615]

When diagnosed with prostate cancer I was told that 65% of all men will get PC! And there are 5 types of cancer. each more aggressive than the other. Early detection is the key. As its curable. If it gets out into your bones, lungs etc you're done.

[Rye Miles #13621]

2 hours ago, irish ike, SASS #43615 said:

When diagnosed with prostate cancer I was told that 65% of all men will get PC! And there are 5 types of cancer. each more aggressive than the other. Early detection is the key. As its curable. If it gets out into your bones, lungs etc you're done.

I don’t know who told you 65% but that’s awful high. All the info I found was 1 in 8 , that not 65%

 

https://zerocancer.org/about-prostate-cancer/facts-statistics

Edited May 20 by Rye Miles #13621

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

7 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Because of medications that I take and ny past history, I have certain tests run quarterly! Others at doctor recommended intervals, and I try to keep a close eye out for any abnormal symptoms.

 

It has already extended my lifespan and that of Schoolmarm as well!!

 

I have, by doing this, attained two of the three major goals in my life!

 

1: I have lived long enough to amaze my friends!

 

2: I have lived long enough to REALLY piss off my enemies!

And the third goal, which I’m fast approaching is, I have almost lived long enough to spend my kid’s inheritance!!

 

I hope MOST of ya’s take care of yerowndangselves!! I’d miss most of ya’s and there’s a few I’d still like to meet!!

 

 

 

7 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

Because of medications that I take and ny past history, I have certain tests run quarterly! Others at doctor recommended intervals, and I try to keep a close eye out for any abnormal symptoms.

 

It has already extended my lifespan and that of Schoolmarm as well!!

 

I have, by doing this, attained two of the three major goals in my life!

 

1: I have lived long enough to amaze my friends!

 

2: I have lived long enough to REALLY piss off my enemies!

And the third goal, which I’m fast approaching is, I have almost lived long enough to spend my kid’s inheritance!!

 

I hope MOST of ya’s take care of yerowndangselves!! I’d miss most of ya’s and there’s a few I’d still like to meet!!

 

 

1 and 2 done.  Working on number 3 "as we speak".

 

Adding a #4: see my last post above.

 

I had one more already accomplished:  I was part of a five man "tontine".   (Look it up.)  I had forgotten about it until the man who started it in Vietnam in 1978 died and his daughter got in touch with me.  She found it in his safety deposit box.  We didn't have a "fund" but I ended up with a $450.00 bottle of French wine.  Not being a drinker anymore I sold it at a local auction and donated the money to the folks at an Alzheimer's center back in our home town in my Mom's name.

[Texas Maverick]

21 hours ago, Trailrider #896 said:

With the diagnosis of Former President Joseph Biden with prostate cancer, it brings up a tendency by some doctors to say you don't need a PSA test if you are over a certain age. Their reasoning is that even if you are diagnosed with that or something similar beyond a certain age (80 is often quoted) you'll probably die of something else. Similarly, women are sometimes told not to bother with certain tests for the same nonsense!

 

In fact, I know of both men and women who are diagnosed with ailments in their 80's, who were successfully treated, when their problem was caught early, and lived into their 90's or beyond!

 

Pards, get your PSA annually, no matter what age you are!  Ladies get your GYN tests annually, as well as mammograms! If your doctor demurse...FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR! 

Interesting thought process. I am 75 and my father and grandfather both had prostate cancer. My PSA this year was only 2.9 which is lower than the 4 which is consider the norm. However, it is higher than it was last year so they ordered a MRI this past week and from it they say there are some things that they want to check so now I have a biopsy scheduled in a couple of weeks. Not looking forward to that and since I was below normal have really been considering it this is really necessary. The only reason I have gone along with it so far is my family history. If there is something there and we catch it early enough it is worth it but still not looking forward to the process. I am also on a blood thinner and will have to get off of it a week before the biopsy so that is another major concern of mine. Oh well it is only life. One day at a time. I also hope to live to be 100. My dad made it to 93 and his mother was 103.

 

I still get an annual checkup and monitor all the necessary results for anything that stands out and so far all is good. My only major health issue is the 5 bulging discs from L1 to L5 and one of them is perforated. I also have a cyst between L3 and L4 that we are keeping an eye on. I just got another round of shots this week. An epidural between L3 and L4 to help with severe lower back pain. The shots do work and I get around 6 to 8 months of relief from them. Sometimes I have to get what they call trigger shots between the epidural shots.

 

TM

[bgavin]

PSA saved my life.
It found the cancer LONG before any digital exam would have shown anything at all.
As a result, I was Stage T1C, the lowest detectable level.

Johns Hopkins took a month digging through the pathology to find it.

 

[Duffield, SASS #23454]

35 minutes ago, Texas Maverick said:

Interesting thought process. I am 75 and my father and grandfather both had prostate cancer. My PSA this year was only 2.9 which is lower than the 4 which is consider the norm. However, it is higher than it was last year so they ordered a MRI this past week and from it they say there are some things that they want to check so now I have a biopsy scheduled in a couple of weeks. Not looking forward to that and since I was below normal have really been considering it this is really necessary. The only reason I have gone along with it so far is my family history. If there is something there and we catch it early enough it is worth it but still not looking forward to the process. I am also on a blood thinner and will have to get off of it a week before the biopsy so that is another major concern of mine. Oh well it is only life. One day at a time. I also hope to live to be 100. My dad made it to 93 and his mother was 103.

 

I still get an annual checkup and monitor all the necessary results for anything that stands out and so far all is good. My only major health issue is the 5 bulging discs from L1 to L5 and one of them is perforated. I also have a cyst between L3 and L4 that we are keeping an eye on. I just got another round of shots this week. An epidural between L3 and L4 to help with severe lower back pain. The shots do work and I get around 6 to 8 months of relief from them. Sometimes I have to get what they call trigger shots between the epidural shots.

 

TM

The fact that it changed is far more important than the level. 

Edited May 20 by Duffield, SASS #23454
Spelling - auto correct

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 59 after a lousy PSA score suggested a biopsy be performed. The doc explained the advantages/disadvantages of plucking it and curing my cancer vs waiting and managing my cancer with radiation and hormones. I said “pluck it.”

 

It’s a life-altering procedure, but if it gets into your bones, it’s downhill from there. Mine was gnat’s whisker from my bones and if I’d procrastinated, I wouldn’t be writing this. 

 

Further treatment was unnecessary and I’m still plugging along at 72. 

 

 

[watab kid]

i was tested for years at mayo till they canceled the program , not since , ill most likely die from it sometime down the road as both my grandfather and my father did ,  grandfathers bones and my fathers bladder , 

[Pat Riot]

I was told by two different “fortune tellers” that I would live to 86. I am 64 now. I may live to ‘86, but I am sure I will be hobbling something awful if I do. 
I had half my large intestine removed at 39 due to diverticulosis and diverticulitis.  My doctors said my intestine was so riddled with polyps that it looked like the intestine of a very old man.  No cancer was detected, but I was told that I “must” get a colonoscopy bi-annually and if I could I should do it annually. 

I had 2 years and the doctor said I didn’t need one for 5 years. I asked him “Why 5 years and not 2?” He said I didn’t need it. Which I guess is good, but I did tell him that if cancer is detected in 5 years and it’s bad that I would track him down. He didn’t waiver from his prognosis but he did look a bit nervous as he left the room. 
 

There are younger folks that have no respect for the aged population and they work in all fields and disciplines in this country. Be your own advocate because there are people in places of control and power that are not advocates for the aged. 
 

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

My number was higher then usual about 4 years ago. Did the biopsy test and no cancer. They continue to test me at least annually with my lab work. 

[irish ike, SASS #43615]

20 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

I don’t know who told you 65%

My Urologist who also diagnosed ,my PC.

[Rye Miles #13621]

2 hours ago, irish ike, SASS #43615 said:

My Urologist who also diagnosed ,my PC.

All the stats say 1 in 8 

[Sedalia Dave]

On 5/20/2025 at 4:50 PM, Texas Maverick said:

Interesting thought process. I am 75 and my father and grandfather both had prostate cancer. My PSA this year was only 2.9 which is lower than the 4 which is consider the norm. However, it is higher than it was last year so they ordered a MRI this past week and from it they say there are some things that they want to check so now I have a biopsy scheduled in a couple of weeks. Not looking forward to that and since I was below normal have really been considering it this is really necessary. The only reason I have gone along with it so far is my family history. If there is something there and we catch it early enough it is worth it but still not looking forward to the process. I am also on a blood thinner and will have to get off of it a week before the biopsy so that is another major concern of mine. Oh well it is only life. One day at a time. I also hope to live to be 100. My dad made it to 93 and his mother was 103.

 

I still get an annual checkup and monitor all the necessary results for anything that stands out and so far all is good. My only major health issue is the 5 bulging discs from L1 to L5 and one of them is perforated. I also have a cyst between L3 and L4 that we are keeping an eye on. I just got another round of shots this week. An epidural between L3 and L4 to help with severe lower back pain. The shots do work and I get around 6 to 8 months of relief from them. Sometimes I have to get what they call trigger shots between the epidural shots.

 

TM

 

Do the biopsy.  If it comes back negative I would have a PSA test done every 6 months for a couple years to be sure it is not continuing to increase. 

 

Friend was in your exact situation except his doc didn't order the follow up MRI. Wanted to just wait and see. He went for a second opinion and 4 months after the first PSA he had another one.  His numbers doubled. The second doc told him that if he had waited a year he'd been in real trouble. 

 

I changed by GP because I discovered the old one had never ordered a PSA test as part of my yearly physical. Really liked the guy but it made me wonder what else he was overlooking. 

 

 

Edited May 21 by Sedalia Dave

[Rip Snorter]

Just don't get caught in the medical merry go round.  Based on biopsy I had a slight presence of a very slow growing cancer.  Second biopsy, nothing.  Cat scan, PET Scan nothing.  Referred to an oncologist who was going to run all of the same tests again.  150 mile round trip every time, plus waiting, and being messed with and paying for all of it.  I said no.  Last PSA normal, no symptoms.  Comes a time where the process is the punishment and the outcome will be what it will be.  In our lives, we should be in control, I will not surrender that.  BTW, not intended as advice except for the first phrase.

[watab kid]

ive seen the doctors shy from testing after 70 , not that i expected them to make a great effort after i reached that age , i think they want us to just die off of as much natural causes as possible , it saves the government a lot of money in their pons scheme that they legislated in and forced us to participate in then called it an entitlement program , i feel its a promise they need to keep since they didnt give us the opportunity to opt out , its a debt owed - when we are late on our taxes they steal from us they add interest and late fees , its a debt owed to the public who have and continue to pay their due as well as the salaries of those we empower on our behalf , they are failing us 

[Dantankerous]

On 5/19/2025 at 7:30 PM, Stump Water said:

Wanna talk about statins?  How about "the jab"?

Excellent points that merit their own research/discussion.

 

You are 100%correct.

[Texas Maverick]

19 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

All the stats say 1 in 8 

My oncologist told me the same numbers.

 

TM

[Texas Maverick]

16 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

Do the biopsy.  If it comes back negative I would have a PSA test done every 6 months for a couple years to be sure it is not continuing to increase. 

 

Friend was in your exact situation except his doc didn't order the follow up MRI. Wanted to just wait and see. He went for a second opinion and 4 months after the first PSA he had another one.  His numbers doubled. The second doc told him that if he had waited a year he'd been in real trouble. 

 

I changed by GP because I discovered the old one had never ordered a PSA test as part of my yearly physical. Really liked the guy but it made me wonder what else he was overlooking. 

 

 

I have lab work done every 6 months and an annual physical for the last 30 years so everything should be up to date. First the PSA blood work, then the MRI and now the Biopsy so I guess it is being done in the normal steps. Just hope for a good outcome

 

TM

[Sedalia Dave]

43 minutes ago, Texas Maverick said:

I have lab work done every 6 months and an annual physical for the last 30 years so everything should be up to date. First the PSA blood work, then the MRI and now the Biopsy so I guess it is being done in the normal steps. Just hope for a good outcome

 

TM

 

We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

I will confess that I am not bothering with the tests.

[Waimea]

My Dad had colon cancer in his 50's. That was cured through surgery.

When he was in his early 80's he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His doc said not to worry it wasn't aggressive. Dad died at 89 of prostate cancer.

He had GREAT health until he died. Sounds kind of ridiculous put that way.

His male lineage was quite long lived with his Great grandfather living until he was a few days shy of 100. My Dad's goal was to beat his Great grandfather's age and live to be 100. I think he could have made it if he hadn't listened to his doc.

Edited May 24 by Waimea

[Dusty Devil Dale]

The energy for discouraging various medical testing in older individuals flows from the federal government agencies and insurance companies who want to duck the higher cost of older patient medicine by advocating the Sweedish model = zero medical care after age 55 unless patient pays for it directly. 

I will gladly pay the small cost for my annual PSA test,  5-year colonoscopy and any other diagnostics needed,  if either Medicare or my secondary insurance deny them.  

 

Sadly, I remember a previous President who also subscribed to the Scandanavian model and said, "just give grandma a pain shot".   He could say that knowing he and his family would get the best care available at Bethesda. 

Good for thee, but not for me. 

[Rip Snorter]

Gents, IMHO, there is a gradient involved in getting old.  How you feel, what you can still do vs. a birthday count. 5 years till my Dad's age, 8 till my Moms. when they went  Don't plan to go anywhere short term, but my fervent wish is for my body to fail before my brain.

[watab kid]

bottom line is if you dont test - you dont know , but maybe some of us see the inevitable and say OK , what will be will be , a lot of times the attempted cure is worse than the disease and we all know birth was terminal STD that we cant alter , im still doing what my doctor directs but the PSA test has not come up - i figure ill die of prostate cancer either way , most of us men do eventually 

[bgavin]

Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert cartoon series blew off getting a regular check and he is now dying from Stage 4 metastasized prostate cancer.
Frank Zappa, Bill Bixby (the hulk) and SO many others died a useless death by skipping regular exams.

Every man will get prostate cancer if he lives long enough.
It is not "if" but "when".

 

When your PSA comes back ugly, pursue it and get the prostate removed.
Caught early (mine), it is now a non-problem.
Let it go, and you are in for the (losing) fight of your life.

 

[Buffalo Creek Law Dog]

I'm 83 and I know more people in the cemetery, than those still walking around.

[Waimea]

On 5/23/2025 at 6:50 AM, bgavin said:

Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert cartoon series blew off getting a regular check and he is now dying from Stage 4 metastasized prostate cancer.

 

....

It is not "if" but "when".

 

When your PSA comes back ugly, pursue it and get the prostate removed.
Caught early (mine), it is now a non-problem.
Let it go, and you are in for the (losing) fight of your life.

 

 

I had not heard this about Scott Adams. That's sad. He was one of my favorites.

 

I think it's amazing that women will have a mastectomy even if they have breast cancer in their family.

 

But males will hang on to their prostate even though they've been diagnosed with a "non-aggressive" cancer. I had several talks with Dad while he was in early stages to try to get him to do something about it. Sadly he spun the wheel and lost.