At what age is best to start getting tested for pc?

[creeman]

I am a 33 year old male.My family has a history of cancer.My dad died at age 40 from pc.As did most of his brothers and dad.But at what age should I start to get screaned for this?

[daff]

Originally Posted by creeman

I am a 33 year old male.My family has a history of cancer.My dad died at age 40 from pc.As did most of his brothers and dad.But at what age should I start to get screaned for this?

I've seen guidelines that say for those with high risk, such as family history, beginning at age 40 can be time to get tested. But since you seem to have a very high incidence in your family, even if it's just for some peace of mind, why not ask your doctor if it's time now, or at 35? It's not that expensive a test, and if you do this in conjunction with an annual physical, could probably be included. Just watching the year-by-year changes should give you quite a bit of knowledge so this disease will be less likely to develop without you knowing it. That's my two-cents worth as a layman. One other thing, sexual activity within three days or so of a PSA test, or a digital rectal exam just before they take blood for the test, can cause the results to be elevated.

[able5]

I like what daff said!

[jrponalameda]

Just as a data point, my brothers and I started screening in our 40's due to strong family history. Two of us are over 50 now, and as the oldest at 54 I'm the only one who had his PSA numbers rise, and I was diagnosed with PC in September. So normally I'd say start screening in your 40s with significant family history. But if your father died of PC at 40, he must have had it many years earlier, mid or even early 30s. In your case, I'd probably start getting the PSA ASAP...

[creeman]

I am going to ask my doctor on my next appt.Thank you for responeding [not this best at spelling].