Potentially Falling Through The Gaps? NHS

Due to increasing PSA level allied to my dear Dad having advanced prostate cancer (unfortunately ultimately diagnosed after repeatedly going to GP and being told he was having recurring UTI’s) I’ve been visiting a Urologist relatively regularly.

Nothing to suggest I have Prostate cancer but PSA has increased from 1.3 in November 2019 to 2.0 in June 2023. MRI scan in October 2020 indicated no issues.

My most recent visit was last September where physical check plus PSA blood sample taken.

Following that I received a copy of letter sent to my GP which guided that if PSA had increased then another MRI would be organised or if no change to PSA levels, then PSA test to be repeated every 3 months.

Since then I have had no direct contact from hospital or GP but a cycling friend popped past on Sunday to guide he was undergoing treatment for Prostate cancer – which made me reflect on things with a “I’ve heard nothing…).

Yesterday I emailed the Urologist secretary who guided that the Urologist is on long term absence and they would pass details onto another Urologist for action.

It’s one of those where I’ll give it about a week and if no response will re-engage but at the same time contact private healthcare provider to ask for appt with Urologist.

I guess it just shows how much a squeeze there is on the NHS…

Who is responsible for organising the three monthly PSA testing? Did the GP receive the results of the September test? Might be worth asking GP to book you a blood test rather than wait for Urology.

Natural variation of PSA levels is a thing, apparently, although I’m sure you’d appreciate a test result which showed things moving in the other direction.

I don’t think there will be a sense of urgency from the NHS with this; it’s a small rise over several years, and still well under the levels where the professionals get concerned, even with your family history. I’m a fan of men having a PSA test, but every 3 months seems a bit excessive to me.

IANAD, but do have advanced prostate cancer. My PSA was 374 (not a typo), now 0.85 👍

I think it will be the GP that organises the tests.  Hopefully someone will be along to confirm

I arrange 6 monthly PSA tests with my local GP surgery. (A few years ago I had levels up to 8, which provoked MRIs and also biopsies, but since then the levels have declined to 4-ish. My first urologist (private) recommended annual MRI. My current (NHS) guy said naaah. )

Could be either the urologist, or the GPs responsibility.

It will initially have been the urologist, then if you’re stable the funding/responsibility to carry on monitoring may have transferred to the GP.

Unless you’ve specifically been told otherwise, it sounds like it’s still under the urology team.

DrP