Reply #53: Yes, please do

[Heddi]

however, many Dr's won't do the DRE (digital rectal exam) or the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test unless the man is showing signs of Prostate cancer, or unless someone in his family has/had prostate Ca.

If his Dr won't do it, take him to Planned Parenthood. They will do a test for free, or very low charge.

Many doctors, because of HMO's and PCP's, feel that there's no reason to do preventative screening unless there is a problem associated with Prostate Ca. Many health insurance plans won't cover the DRE & PSA tests for 'preventative' reasons.....Also, if they DO find that your husband has Prostate Ca, they won't necessarily do anything about it unless it's aggressive or metastasizes to another location.

I find this alarming, but again, when we're nothing but numbers and profits, what do you expect?

Be firm and a bit demanding with your Doctor about this test. TELL HIM that if he doesn't do the test, that you will find another doctor who will.....and get it done.

Good luck!