I'm 72 y.o. My brother was diagnosed with ('mild' Prostate Cancer ['PC'] in the 1990s; therefore there was a proven genetic 'liklihood' that it might affect me.
Luckily I had a very supportive GP (I know from friends' experiences that appalingly not all GPs are). If you think you are at any risk I say press your GP; if there's a negative response, press again; if still no co-operation, I suggest change GP or contact a local General Hospital urology department and explain. My GP encouraged regular Prostate Specific Antigen ['PSA'] tests. My two sons are approaching 50 y.o. - when the condition becomes more common - and I'm 'advising' them that they need to do the same.
My PSA went off the (short term) chart and in July 2010 I had a radical prostatechtomy (surgical prostate removal via keyhole surgery). Risks were well explained but (even at 62 y.o.) it was still a major disappointment / shock to learn that I was impotentI I've had lots of support since from specialists in the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. I admit it's still not easy - tdespite two very understanding and intimate hetrosexual relationships since. Emasculation is very personal and still, 10 years on, affects me.
Importantly though, diagnosis from recent applied research by Cancer UK and Prostate Cancer UK (where I'm training to be a volunteer supporter/advocate/public speaker) shows very positive signs towards far less interventionist treatments in the future.
The key, though, is the earliest possible diagnosis.
Though it's not intuitive for the male 'independent' stereotype, I passionately ask any man concerened about family history, genetics or personal symptoms, to seek medical diagnosis - if necessarily agressively!
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one ever really plans to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your PC journey.
I had a totally different type of cancer but the Community has various support groups so can I direct you to ourProstate cancer group as this is the place where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as a patient or family.
Follow the above link then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the page opens.
You can then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
Its always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support or just a listing ear.
The service is open every day 8am to 8pm and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here for more information.
You can also email them, use the online chat and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
All the very best.
