Prostate

[RoyBoy20]

Do they check for prostate cancer in the class 1 medical exam?

Roy

[Jetstream Rider]

Don't know, but if you are worried get it checked out first by your doctor. I understand that if you have concerns it is very uncomfortable, but you could well put your mind at rest by visiting your doctor.

Secondly, prostate cancer is more easily treated if caught early on, so best not to hang around.

If you have a medical booked and want to know if you will pass it, I am afraid I can't help you any more than to suggest you go on the CAA website and download the medical requirements.

www.caa.co.uk search for JAR FCL 3 medical standards.

Good luck.

[Irish Steve]

Do they check for prostate cancer in the class 1 medical exam?

On the FAA, once over 50, yes, not sure on the JAA/CAA.

OK, let me clarify that. The ME will do a DRE (Digital rectal examination) of the prostate. That's not going to provide a diagnosis of cancer, all it can do it indicate if the prostate is enlarged, or has nodules, or growths, on it's surface, both of which can be indicators of cancer, or another problem, benign prostate hyperplasia, (enlargement), which normally only causes problems initially with urination.

There was another thread on Prostate a couple of weeks back, I'm not going to repeat what I said there, other than to say, do NOT avoid this check, and if there's any family history of prostate problems, don't leave the check until 50, in some cases, problems may have already started before 50.

Another useful indicator is the PSA blood test, which can give advance warning of problems, though it can find things that are not life threatening in the way that prostate cancer can be.

Bottom line (yeah horrible pun I know ), get whatever checks are appropriate, and be very happy if nothing untoward is found.

And to anyone who wonders why I'm a little evangelical about this subject, it's because I had a very close encounter with PC a couple of years ago, and it was pure luck that it got caught when it did, as I didn't need a class 1 at the time. As a result of all of that, I know a lot more about prostate than I wanted to, and a lot of what I found out has made me very determined to try and make sure that no one I know or who asks important questions about PC will die because no one had the guts to speak out about it. Too many people have died of PC through ignorance or fear or both, if it's caught early, it is very treatable, and life after PC is worth living.

[bafanguy]

Royboy,

I've got two friends who have had their prostate removed. They are alive, well, and flying. That's what counts. A few moments of discomfort/embarrassment mean absolutely nothing in the overall scheme of your life.

Over 45 ? Get it checked. Get both the DRE and the PSA. The DRE only examines the aft side/firmness of the prostate.

The PSA can be elevated for a variety of reasons with cancer being only one. It's just a "heads up" to indicate further examination of a cause is needed.

Making jokes about the exam and its indignity is a bit funny. As I said in the other prostate thread, as long as you don't feel BOTH the doctor's hands on your shoulders during the exam, you're OK.

[Ranger 1]

Embarrassment of having any check or a problem looked into in the rear end dept should be no worry at all, I had a minor problem recently, although not related to the prostate, the relief in finding out nothing serious was wrong was a big weight off my mind.
If in any doubt get it checked out, early.