A few weeks ago during a routine annual check up I had some blood work done to check on my testosterone hormone levels. They can significantly drop after a man reaches his 40s.
In the course of having my blood work done, my doctor noticed that my prostate "PSA" (google it for an exact definition) levels were unusally high. I'm writing about this to stress the importance for men, Black men especially, to get their prostate checked annually especially since we get cancer at much higher rates than our White counterparts.
In 14 months time, my PSA levels jumped 3 times the normal range. I was assured that while I'm not facing cancer at this point, that much of an increase is of great concern. So today I went to a Urologist and discussed my doctor's findings. As a result, I am now scheduled to have a biopsy done next month in order to find out what exactly is going on.
I'm really not looking forward to this because of the amount of discomfort that will be involved but I damn sure want to know what I'm dealing with. I feel confident that it'l be nothing serious and I'll get treatmenrt. That'll be that. That being the case, I'l be one of the lucky ones who took the time to get screened as I've done every year since turning 39.
I urge my brothers (men, especially Black men) to make screenings a part of your regular check up routine. I further urge you to begin the process NOW even if you're only in your 20's. Once again, Black men are affected in greater numbers than out White counterparts so I do this with the utmost in sincerity.
Ladies, if you're reading this, talk to the men in your life and strongly encourage them to get examined.
I'll keep you posted on the results of the biopsy once I have it.
Blessed Be.
