[masraum]

I just turned 48. I went in for a physical today because we get $200 credit to use towards medical expenses if we do. I was told that testing for prostate cancer either through a blood test, finger test or both is now voluntary. He said that in 2012, it was determined that checking for it and finding it was not shown to increase life expectancy or improve quality of life and it could even be detrimental.

The theory is that prostate cancer is so slow, that it's usually discovered late in life and takes forever to cause any issues. So finding out that you have it and getting treated probably won't improve your quality of life or extend your life expectancy, and knowing that you have it could actually be detrimental due to the stress of it always being in the back of your mind.

The Dr said that his dad had it and at 71 had surgery, and died when he was 89. He'd have probably lived that long without the surgery and treatment. The Dr doesn't want the stress of knowing about it.