Novocastrian

I certainly know where you're coming from. The South African has been delicately suggesting a colonoscopy for several years. "F*** that for a lark", has been my consistent reply.

dbd33

Well, I can't be getting an implant. That'd involve going to a doctor and, once you do that, it's a slippery slope to having "conditions" and someone else having a say in your drug intake. Better not to burden the NHS (or local equivalent).

Zoe Bell

Interesting that it's considered routine screening this side of the Atlantic whereas in the UK you would have to have risk factors or symptoms to warrant one.

I wonder whist the detection rate vs risk of complication balance is

Novocastrian

Clearly another imperative for finding a UK trained GP.

Oakvillian

I was delighted to find a couple of years ago that the regular screening here, in the absence of other risk factors, doesn't begin til you're 50. I had been led to believe it was earlier than that; I have a few more years to anticipate the pleasure.

JonboyE

My brother-in-law is a consultant in public health in the UK. He tells me that, from a statistical perspective, is is not an effective screening process. Whilst almost all men die with prostate cancer, very few die of it. The chances of dying as a result of complications from unnecessary treatment are greater than the chances of dying of undetected cancer.

I therefore decline to allow a doctor to stick his finger up my bum.

Atlantic Xpat

+1 on this story. I found out that my dad had prostate cancer (at age 70) the day I landed in Canada as a PR. Fortunately his treatment was successful and didn't involve hairloss or too much in the way of other indignities.

Once you are of the age, the digital experience (or at the very least a PSA test) is a neccessary evil IMHO.

fledermaus

There was an article in the NY Times a couple of days ago about over diagnosis especially for prostate screening. The same has been said about breast screening too. More cancers are found but no-one knows how long those cancers would have taken to before they became symptomatic and whether or not the outcome is better if discovered sooner.

That said my father died from prostate cancer aged 74. It wasn't easy.

JonboyE

Sorry to hear that. I know it is rotten way to go.

dbd33

I suppose this is picky but what is the preferred way to go?

Zoe Bell

Peacefully in your sleep like my grandfather , not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car!

Sorry

Atlantic Xpat

If I recall the banned / deleted thread correctly, it involves an open topped sportscar, a pneumatic blonde, a californian road and stimulation of an oral nature.

Novocastrian

This is all very well, and perhaps mildly stimulating, but please keep in mind that an ugly, short, South African MD will be poking his pinky up my rectum on Monday.

I hope he enjoys it.

Last year he said in a smarmy voice, "it's enlarged, but that's normal".

I've worried since about what he was referring to.

johnh009

He was better as Bertie Wooster (as an actor, not a doctor).

Atlantic Xpat

<Attempts to link the PG Wodehouse & Prostate parts of this thread>

"Top Hole Jeeves!"