Lately (NBC News), I've noticed that prostate cancer in men has become a concern. Anyone here...

I started getting PSA results in my late 30s. My PSA was always around 1.0. At age 53, it was suddenly 3.0, not a high number. But the slope was a flag.

A biopsy consisting of 12 “staple gun” shots into the gland produced one slice showing cancer. “It’s as early as we ever detect it ….. we could easily have missed it.”

A robot removed the gland, guided by an experienced and talented surgeon and team. I was back to work two days later. Dealing with a catheter for a week was unpleasant, but post surgery lab analysis revealed that the removed gland was only 5% cancerous.

The point is that annual PSA testing and building a database helped identify the cancer at a very early stage.

For those in the 50+ club.

cures are increasing.

The leader of our Men's Faith Sharing parish group passed away from Prostate Cancer just a couple of months ago...he even attended our monthly Zoom meeting from his Hospice bed, little more than a week before he died...he was smiling...ever positive...and the consummate Inspiration to all. Needless to say, a tragic loss to all who ever met him.

Just recently, I learned that a friend who works at our Food Bank...and a golfing partner...had been diagnosed with the disease...fortunately, it was caught early and he just needs non-invasive drug treatment...then close monitoring. Obviously, a message to all who are getting up in years.

Here's a quick summary of the current situation...

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AI Overview

Yes, prostate cancer incidence rates in the United States have been increasing by about 2.7% to 3.0% annually, reversing a prior downward trend. [1, 2]

• Overall Incidence Trend: After declining by about 6.4% per year between 2007 and 2014 (largely due to a drop in prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, screening after previous task force guidance changes), U.S. prostate cancer rates began climbing again around 2014. [1, 2]
• Rise in Advanced Cases: The sharpest increases are being seen in advanced and distant-stage (metastatic) diagnoses, which have grown roughly 4.6% to 6% per year depending on age groups. [1, 2, 3]
• Contributing Factors: Public health researchers point to an aging baby-boomer population and the lingering effects of earlier years of reduced or missed PSA screenings as primary drivers. [1, 2]
• Screening Guidance Updates: In response to these rising numbers and late-stage diagnoses, organizations like the American Cancer Society have updated their guidelines to place a stronger emphasis on regular PSA screening discussions for average and high-risk men. [1]

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Thank God his treatments have worked.

Whenever I have blood drawn, they check my PSA levels.