with a visit to my urologist because of increasing frequency of urination. I learned that I had an enlarged prostate. Also, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer 18 years ago (he is doing great) so I have paid a little closer attention. My PSA was 3.7 at that point, June of 2021.

Fast forward to last August and it was 5.7. They did another test in 90 days, had increased to 6.4 so a biopsy was scheduled for December.

Men tend to avoid yearly physicals, but by going regularly and having the standard tests done, they should be checking your PSA as part of that. Caught early, prostate cancer is very treatable.

Interestingly with my dad, his PSA was 2.5 or so when they found his, so while PSA is a great marker, it isn't perfect. Anything 4 or higher is when they are concerned. My dad had a nodule on his prostate and they did a biopsy at his urging. Not sure what would have happened had they waited. So glad they didn't.

One more note, I thought 5.7 was terrible, but my doc told me that was nothing. They were much more concerned about if it was increasing. I have a friend whose situation was almost identical to mine and his was 11 or so when they found his cancer. I have heard it as a high as 1800, which essentially is a death sentence from bone cancer which is where it goes after it spreads.