Prostate Cancer Test

[Neeranam]

As I'm over 50 now, and my cousin has got this, I want to get a check up.

What specific test should I be asking for?

Do the large private hospitals include this in their packages?

Thanks.

[Rally123]

Just go and get a blood test done to measure your PSA levels. If it is below 4.0, and you have no aches or pains in the prostate area, then sleep soundly for another year.

Edited April 18, 2018 by Rally123

[NancyL]

Yes, the PSA test is standard in the "executive" or "male over age 40" health screening packages that the private hospitals offer.  Double check that the PSA test is included but it almost always is if you request a package that is tailored for the "executive male".  (Don't you just love that term?  They can't come up with a similarly complimentary term for us old broads.)

 

Edit:  I just looked at Bumrungrad's website to see what term they use to describe their health screening packages and was astonished to see they include a cardiac stress test as a "male only" item in their high end packages.  I know several women under age 65 who have had strokes and probably would have benefited from having had a cardiac stress test.  This is an interesting insight to how the Thais regard women's cardiac health.

 

 

[Rally123]

A PSA blood test on its own, at a government hospital for a farang, is about 400 Baht and takes about 2 weeks to get the result back.

[NancyL]

19 minutes ago, Rally123 said:

A PSA blood test on its own, at a government hospital for a farang, is about 400 Baht and takes about 2 weeks to get the result back.

Well, actually that would be the price for anyone not enrolled as a patient at the gov't hospital, farang, Chinese, or even a Thai person not on the roll of that hospital.  It's not just the price reserved for farangs.

 

But, since the OP asked if a PSA test was part of a routine health screening for males over age 50, it's good to know he's thinking about the concept of a comprehensive health screening, not just cherry picking a test or two to set his mind at ease that he won't lose the function of whatever organ(s) he considers most important.  

 

Once over age 40, it's a good idea to have a health screening every year.  Maybe not a total, "executive" level every year, but certain things should be monitored annually.  

 

 

[Neeranam]

3 hours ago, Rally123 said:

Just go and get a blood test done to measure your PSA levels. If it is below 4.0, and you have no aches or pains in the prostate area, then sleep soundly for another year.

I didn't know I could do that, thanks.

[Neeranam]

2 hours ago, NancyL said:

Yes, the PSA test is standard in the "executive" or "male over age 40" health screening packages that the private hospitals offer.  Double check that the PSA test is included but it almost always is if you request a package that is tailored for the "executive male".  (Don't you just love that term?  They can't come up with a similarly complimentary term for us old broads.)

 

Edit:  I just looked at Bumrungrad's website to see what term they use to describe their health screening packages and was astonished to see they include a cardiac stress test as a "male only" item in their high end packages.  I know several women under age 65 who have had strokes and probably would have benefited from having had a cardiac stress test.  This is an interesting insight to how the Thais regard women's cardiac health.

 

 

Thanks Nancy, one just looked at some executive packages for men, lol. A bit pricey.

There is still a glass ceiling here for women, especially with doctors.

[Neeranam]

1 hour ago, Rally123 said:

A PSA blood test on its own, at a government hospital for a farang, is about 400 Baht and takes about 2 weeks to get the result back.

White skinned people are not charged more. 

I actually have, "pragan sangkom", so would get that test free are a government hospital.

 

Thanks for the information. How long was your wait to get the blood taken?

I only go to govt hospitals if I know the doctor there.

[Sheryl]

You need a PSA AND a manual prostate exam. (The doctor has to put a finger up your rectum and feel the size and shape of the prostate. Not fun, but only takes a few seconds.

 

Repeat yearly.

 

It is nto necessary to get a high end check up package just for one test not being listed in the cheaper packages. You can add on the one test and it will cost a lot less. (At age 59 though you should think about getting an exercise stress test, too...)

 

At large hospitals will get same day result for PSA.

[Neeranam]

6 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

You need a PSA AND a manual prostate exam. (The doctor has to put a finger up your rectum and feel the size and shape of the prostate. Not fun, but only takes a few seconds.

 

Repeat yearly.

 

It is nto necessary to get a high end check up package just for one test not being listed in the cheaper packages. You can add on the one test and it will cost a lot less. (At age 59 though you should think about getting an exercise stress test, too...)

 

At large hospitals will get same day result for PSA.

 Thanks. Good idea about getting a cheaper package and adding on the one test.

I've a few years before I'm 59.

My doctor told me at 42 to get a yearly check up, that was 10 years ago. 

Finger up my bum, no bother.

[Sheryl]

Stress test a good idea in men from mid 40s onward. Doesn't need to be annual. Get one now and if normal, again in 3-4 years.