Prostate Cancer- the earlier it's found, the easier to treat!

For Mens Health Week, I want to share my Prostate Cancer journey to encourage more men to get tested, before it's too late.

As you get older your chance of developing Prostate Cancer increases. It is estimated 1 in 8 men will get it. If there is history of Prostate Cancer in your family your risk maybe twice as high.

If you are Black or Mixed Black ethnicity your risk is 1 in 4.

Some patients won't have any symptoms. Another reason why, getting a PSA test, is so important. It's recommended if you are over 50 you should be talking to your GP about your risk level and getting tested.

My journey began in November 2024. I was 67 years old, a '1 in 8', and I had begun urinating more at night.

I made an appointment with my GP Practice, Greystones Medical Centre. From my initial appointment, I was sent for a PSA blood test. The result showed my PSA was slightly raised. The next step was a Digital Rectal Examination, this showed my Prostate was not enlarged, so that was not causing my increased urinating. I was sent for a second PSA test, this showed my PSA had risen again. My GP immediately referred me to Urology at Hallamshire Hospital, with suspected Prostate Cancer. All this was done in a month.

My first appointment with Urology at Hallamshire Hospital was mid December 24. We were met by one of the fantastic Specialist Nurses, who explained what was going to happen, she said from now on, if I had any concerns, just ring the Specialist Nurse number.

That day I had tests, including a full body scan at Weston Park. Within three days I was called back into Urology for a Prostate Biopsy. Prostate samples were sent off and by mid January it was confirmed I had very aggressive Prostate Cancer.

I then needed a series of scans and X-rays to ensure the cancer had not spread. These took about a month, and were all clear. We then met with the Consultant and we agreed that for me, the best course of action was for him to remove my Prostate through robotic surgery. It had to be done quickly before the cancer spread. My operation was late Febuary,10 weeks from my first Urology appointment.

I will now have PSA tests every 3 months to see if cancer has returned. Due to the aggressiveness of my cancer, there's a 50/50 chance it will, I'll take those odds!

I now regularly attend Weston Park Cancer Support where the Prostate Cancer support group meets, it's good to chat, hear each others journey, and to have a laugh. Sometimes Prostate experts come along and discuss Prostate treatments. Weston Park Cancer Centre offers a whole range of support and therapies for patients, it's an incredible support facility.

I also attend an Andrology group, where you discuss sexual issues caused by your treatment. It offers great advice and you realise you are not alone.

I cannot speak highly enough of the care I have received, from Greystones Medical Centre, Urology at Hallamshire, Weston Park Cancer Support and Andrology.

Once when we met, my consultant told me he had 2 months to remove my Prostate or the cancer would spread, this would probably have meant a terminal prognosis.

I was lucky, my GP and Consultant and their teams acted rapidly. But had I delayed in seeking help, I could have caused my own demise.

So please, think on, get tested before its too late for you.