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In early October, 2009, my doctor suggested that I go see a urologist for a full check up. He said that he recommends all his patients who are over 40 to do so. As I was just 40 years old, I didn’t think too much about it, but decided that it couldn’t do any harm. He told me to do a PSA test and a testosterone test and bring the results to the urologist. I did the blood work in early October and I saw the urologist about late November.

Before seeing him I researched my results on the internet, my PSA was 2.33, which was within range, in any case I had that test done Dec. 2008, when I was hospitalized for an unknown condition, they thought it might have been cancer. I was told it wasn’t. So I was feeling good about my results, plus my testosterone level was very high.

The urologist requested another PSA test, as he said that my PSA level, given my age should be no more than 0.5. Now I was concerned. I mentioned I had it done a year ago and he asked me to try and get the result. I did, and it was 2.17, and when I repeated the test in early December it was 2.83. My urologist did a biopsy on December 19, which came back positive for cancer, with a Gleason score of 3 + 4.

I decided to opt for surgery and had a radical prostatectomy on February 1. The cancer was contained within my prostate, so thankfully it was caught in time. My follow up PSA test was 0.05, considered undetectable. Not having any history of prostate cancer in my family, I would never have even thought about it, especially not at my age. It could have gone undetected for years, until it was too late.

I am recovering well, and getting back to my normal routine. I am so thankful to my doctor for his suggestion. I know that it is unusual for someone my age to have prostate cancer, and many doctors would probably not suggest having a PSA until you are 50 years old, but it saved my life. I would strongly urge every man over 50 to see their urologist, and if there is a history of prostate cancer in your family, to do the test when you turn 40. It is so important that we take control of our health and not be afraid or embarrassed to talk about issues that we would sometimes not want to discuss. It can save your life.