Lucky,
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I am very sorry to hear about you Leukemia.
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Do not worry about elevated PAS levels. It is not necessarily always an indicator of prostatic cancer. The PSA levels essentially correlate with the mass (size) of the prostrate, and not exclusively cancer. It couldhigh because of infection or aging (my case).
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A little background: I am 58 years of age. My father at 75 years of age and uncle at 68 years had prostate cancer. So I have at least one risk factor for prostrate cancer; it runs in the family.
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Back in 2005, a routine PSA had me at 5.84,? I was referred to a urologist who did more total PSA testing. My total PSA shot up to more than 11 between 2005 to 2009. I had 3 transrectal biopsies, which turned up negative every time. To get a better assessment of the risks of cancer, my my urologist did Free PSA, in addition to the regular PSA test.
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Base on these results, my urologist concluded that I have Benign Hyperplasia of the Prostrate (BHP). He put me on Avodart in 2009, which has dropped my my levels to below 0.2 with no side effects.? Hourrah! It apparently reduces the size of the prostate and my urologist/oncologist said that it also "helps" to delay or prevent prostate cancer.
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By the way, earlier this year I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (diffuse large cell lymphoma), which is considered to be an agressive form of cancer. Treatments are going well and my prostrate is doing just fine.
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In summary, total PSA is not a "buller proof" test for cancer. Your urologist should also do a FREE PSA to have a better idea. There is some debate amongst professionnals about the reliability of total PSA tests for cancer testing. Your urologist will also do a digital rectal examination (DRE) to determine of it is enlarged? or normal.
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You will only get a confirmation by undergoing to a biopsy. Although it may be somewhat uncomfortable at first, overall the procedure is a piece of cake. Ask your urologist to freeze your prostate before taking the samples. It makes the test a lot easier; just like going to the dentist.
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I hope this provides you some reassurance and comfort. You need not worry about these results but please do get it looked at. While it is fairly prevalent, prostate cancers are usually slow to develop and men usually die from other illnesses.
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My thoughts of healing are with you.
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Don D
Source: http://community.lls.org/thread/16687
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