I don't doubt that you (or whoever) had additional information and made a sound decision.
Point being simply that someone reading your original comment (or such comments generally) doesn't have the full context and might not realize it. I'm not making a point about your situation, but about how the internet is often misused by people seeking to make their own decisions. A subject that fascinates me.
Initially, all he and his doctor knew was that he was 77 years old and his routine, approved by the powers that be, PSA test results took a worrisome turn, bad enough that a biopsy was indicated.
My father's case only supports the Official Word, that starting at age 70 you should get PSA tests. WRT to people making their own decisions, I highly advise that, if you're 70 or older, to get regular PSA tests!
>My father's case only supports the Official Word, that starting at age 70 you should get PSA tests. WRT to people making their own decisions, I highly advise that, if you're 70 or older, to get regular PSA tests!
I highly advise you don't take medical advice from hga on Hacker News based on one anecdote. The Official Word from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer."
Before the fact, we know that cancer testing does not reduce mortality, with the possible exception of cervical cancer. PSA tests are the worst offenders.
Why cancer screening has never been shown to “save lives”—and what we can do about it
