Personal stories about having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Eric, age 56: I have two children who are in high school right now, and both plan to go to college. It's important to me to provide for them and ensure that they have the money they need to finish their education. If I found out I had cancer, I would try any treatment that might offer me a chance to live longer, even if it has side effects. I'm going to have the PSA test.

Mike, age 62: For me, there is still too much uncertainty about the benefits of the PSA test. I tend to stay away from things that aren't yet proven to work, even when I know there is a chance that we might someday find out there is a benefit. I'm willing to take that chance. Because I want to avoid the risks of inexact test results and additional tests, I'm not going to have the test.

Jacob, age 68: My health is great. I still run, play tennis, and travel a lot. At my age, you start to see friends getting sick and dying of one thing or another, and it makes you start to think about your own health more. I know that the PSA test isn't perfect, but I want to have every chance I can to treat cancer early if I have it.

Pieter, age 67: I've done some reading on this subject, and I know that I'm a lot more likely to die from my heart disease than from prostate cancer. Right now I'm focusing my efforts on controlling my blood pressure and cholesterol because I know that treating those things can help me live longer and better. I know that if I had the PSA test and it was high, I would just worry and be stressed out. That's not good for my heart either!