Re: Mens health - the NCT for men - PHI Issues
At the moment, GPs seem to be recommending 50 as the age at which to test for prostate cancer.
I'm 54 and had my first test 18 months ago. It was higher than "normal" (4.3), so the test was repeated 6 months later - up to 4.9.
I was referred to urologist who suggested another test in 6 months. This one up to 6.8, so he recommended a TRUS biopsy. I had this done three months ago. along with another PSA test on the day - down to 5.8. BTW, I have no symptoms of any prostate issue.
The biopsy showed "no evidence of cancer" in any of 10 cores - 8 in gland.
As a result of this scare, I decided to review my life & PHI cover. My insurers have stuck a clause in the PHI cover:
"No benefit shall be payable if the circumstances giving rise to a claim for benefit are directly or indirectly attributable to any disease of the prostate"
I'm not happy with this. If anything is going to get me now, it'll almost certainly be something else. My broker says that I have no chance of having this rescinded and that all the insurers share this information, so I'm stuck with it.
Can anyone offer any advice as to what to do regarding this clause? I'm concerned about knock on effects.
I've been considering having a colonoscopy carried out - one of my parents died as a result of colon cancer and first degree relatives of these are recommended to have screening carried out. I'm afraid that if I do this, I'll have another clause added.
BTW, during my research while waiting for my biopsy, I found that, in the US, some are now recommending that the PSA test be carried out at age 40 and even 35 if there is a history of prostate issues in the family.
Even with my insurance issues, I would strongly recommended that every man, even witout symptoms, have a PSA test done. If nothing else, you will get a base level against which to gauge future levels.
Remember...what you don't know CAN kill you!