Episode Details
Back to EpisodesPSA Screening And The Quiet Risks Men Ignore
Description
Most of us can explain our food storage plan faster than we can explain our last checkup, and that is a problem. I’m taking a different approach tonight because preparedness is not only about gear and worst-case scenarios. It is also about making sure we are still here and still capable when the moment comes to protect our families and lead through stress.
A random Reddit post I stumbled across years ago pushed me to finally ask my doctor about a PSA test. That one step led to repeat blood work, imaging, and ongoing monitoring, plus a deeper understanding of prostate health and prostate cancer screening. I’m clear about what this is and what it is not: an elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer, and this is not medical advice. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, and numbers can rise for several reasons, so the right move is not doom-scrolling or self-diagnosing online. The right move is getting the information and talking it through with a clinician who knows your history.
We also get honest about why men avoid screening and preventive care in the first place: fear, embarrassment, denial, and the quiet belief that feeling fine means everything is fine. We walk through the idea of screening as a personal decision, including the potential benefits and harms like false alarms and unnecessary anxiety, and why guidelines are meant to start a conversation, not issue a one-size-fits-all command. I also speak directly to the women listening, because a simple question at home can be the nudge that saves someone’s life.
If you take one thing from this, make it practical: ask your doctor, “Should I get a PSA test?” If this message hits home, subscribe, share it with someone you care about, and leave a review so more people hear it.
Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.