How a 'crook tooth' led to a shocking prostate cancer discovery that one GP's PSA test missed!
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When Craig Pankhurst visited his doctor for antibiotics to treat a troublesome tooth, he never imagined it would lead to a life-altering diagnosis. The 50-year-old Alice Springs resident had previously undergone a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and, having heard nothing further assumed all was well. However, an unexpected twist of fate during a dental emergency revealed a very different reality.
Eight months after his initial PSA test, a different GP at the same medical clinic noticed Mr Pankhurst's alarming test results while being seen for his dental issue. The results indicated a near-Gleason score of nine, a classification that denotes a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. The highest score on the Gleason scale is 10, and Mr Pankhurst's high score suggested that his cancer was advanced and severe.
The oversight in communication left Mr. Pankhurst stunned. 'I don't even know whether anybody checked it,' he said, reflecting on the missed diagnosis. The gravity of the situation became clear when a urologist in Adelaide, 16 hours away from Alice Springs, bluntly informed him that without prompt treatment, he might have only six months to live.
The long drive home was filled with dread as Mr Pankhurst and his wife, who had been together for nearly 25 years, braced for the worst. But, in a fortunate turn of events, they received a call five days later with the news that the cancer had not spread and was operable. Now in remission, Mr Pankhurst attributes his survival to the astute GP, access to private healthcare, and considerable luck.
This harrowing experience highlights a critical issue in patient care, especially in rural areas like Alice Springs. Dr Bill Geyer, president of the Rural Doctors' Association of South Australia, acknowledged that such an oversight 'shouldn't have happened' and emphasised the importance of patients following up on test results with their GPs.
The story of Mr. Pankhurst is not an isolated one. Men in rural and regional areas are 24 per cent more likely to die from prostate cancer than those in urban settings. Shane Muldoon, an advocate for men with prostate cancer, shares a similar tale of delayed diagnosis and treatment due to systemic failures in public health communication.
The need for specialised care is evident, and the number of prostate cancer nurses in Australia has increased from just one eight years ago to 110 today. However, Sally Sara, director of nursing at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), insists that this number needs to double to meet the growing demand and provide adequate psychological support for the quarter of a million Australian men living with prostate cancer.
The PCFA is also spearheading a national review of the PSA testing guidelines, which have not been updated in eight years and are based on outdated data. This review aims to save lives by providing GPs with clearer guidelines for diagnosing prostate cancer and assessing the necessity of surgery, which carries risks such as impotence and incontinence.
Four years after his brush with death, Mr. Pankhurst has a complex relationship with the term 'survivor.' He views his experience as a challenge to overcome, like a broken bone, rather than something that defines him. His life, he says, is better post-cancer, filled with a deeper appreciation for time, friendships, and relationships.
Mr Pankhurst's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare, especially for those with a family history of prostate cancer. It also underscores the need for improved communication within the healthcare system to ensure that no one else falls through the cracks.
Have you or someone you know experienced similar challenges with healthcare communication? How do you ensure that your test results are followed up? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's discuss the importance of advocating for our health in a system that isn't always perfect.
Eight months after his initial PSA test, a different GP at the same medical clinic noticed Mr Pankhurst's alarming test results while being seen for his dental issue. The results indicated a near-Gleason score of nine, a classification that denotes a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. The highest score on the Gleason scale is 10, and Mr Pankhurst's high score suggested that his cancer was advanced and severe.
The oversight in communication left Mr. Pankhurst stunned. 'I don't even know whether anybody checked it,' he said, reflecting on the missed diagnosis. The gravity of the situation became clear when a urologist in Adelaide, 16 hours away from Alice Springs, bluntly informed him that without prompt treatment, he might have only six months to live.
Prostate cancer was overlooked during a routine PSA test found later while treating a tooth infection. Credit: Shutterstock
The long drive home was filled with dread as Mr Pankhurst and his wife, who had been together for nearly 25 years, braced for the worst. But, in a fortunate turn of events, they received a call five days later with the news that the cancer had not spread and was operable. Now in remission, Mr Pankhurst attributes his survival to the astute GP, access to private healthcare, and considerable luck.
This harrowing experience highlights a critical issue in patient care, especially in rural areas like Alice Springs. Dr Bill Geyer, president of the Rural Doctors' Association of South Australia, acknowledged that such an oversight 'shouldn't have happened' and emphasised the importance of patients following up on test results with their GPs.
The story of Mr. Pankhurst is not an isolated one. Men in rural and regional areas are 24 per cent more likely to die from prostate cancer than those in urban settings. Shane Muldoon, an advocate for men with prostate cancer, shares a similar tale of delayed diagnosis and treatment due to systemic failures in public health communication.
The need for specialised care is evident, and the number of prostate cancer nurses in Australia has increased from just one eight years ago to 110 today. However, Sally Sara, director of nursing at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), insists that this number needs to double to meet the growing demand and provide adequate psychological support for the quarter of a million Australian men living with prostate cancer.
The PCFA is also spearheading a national review of the PSA testing guidelines, which have not been updated in eight years and are based on outdated data. This review aims to save lives by providing GPs with clearer guidelines for diagnosing prostate cancer and assessing the necessity of surgery, which carries risks such as impotence and incontinence.
Four years after his brush with death, Mr. Pankhurst has a complex relationship with the term 'survivor.' He views his experience as a challenge to overcome, like a broken bone, rather than something that defines him. His life, he says, is better post-cancer, filled with a deeper appreciation for time, friendships, and relationships.
Mr Pankhurst's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare, especially for those with a family history of prostate cancer. It also underscores the need for improved communication within the healthcare system to ensure that no one else falls through the cracks.
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