Numbers don't lie

You will note from my post "Do the math" that I felt getting the first PSA test at 40 is a good idea. Just look at the numbers - it's obvious. Well, it seems that I'm not the only one who thinks you should start PSA testing at 40 - Dr. Catalona thinks so too. Who is Dr. Catalona? Oh, he's just the guy who invented the PSA test!

So, the next time a doctor tells you to wait until 50, point him/her to this article published in 2004 (and then tell them to get caught up with their continuing education).

Here's the relevant quote:

Dr. Catalona recommends that since deaths from prostate cancer begin to occur in men in their 40s, men should begin tracking their PSA levels at age 40 to recognize a sharp rise.

"While I recommend a biopsy with a PSA level of 2.5 (ng per milliliters) or higher, this study shows us that no single value of PSA is as important as the trend," he said. "And the only way you can recognize a trend is if the testing is done early and every year."