Some doctors, and even urologists, are less than enthusiastic about the Prostatic Specific Antigen test. They suggest that it can give false positives and go to some lengths to tell you about the possible serious side-effects of any operation in that area.
False positives are indications that pilots learn to deal with on an every day basis and usually by cross checking they can determine whether any action is needed.
As to unfortunate side-effects, letting a prostate cancer grow unchecked can and does lead to that very unpleasant side-effect known as death. It does seem to be true that many old men die with, but not from, a prostate cancer but many are still dying prematurely young from the problem.
It's all down to the individual being able to make an informed decision and to do that you need to know the facts that a PSA check can provide. Read the articles in the BALPA "Log" for more information.
Sorry for this double entry, but it has taken 24 hours for the post to appear-and this is to me, a very important subject.
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Lou Scannon
[This message has been edited by Lou Scannon (edited 14 May 2001).]