Last week, I was given a diagnosis of locally advanced prostate cancer. After getting over the initial shock, I decided that the best way to cope and also to share information that would encourage other men to get themselves checked, would be to make a video diary of my experience, for as long as it lasts.
This was completely unrehearsed and unscripted, so a bit rough around the edges, and simply me talking to the camera with no frills. You may find some of the content distressing, but believe me, it’s not half as embarrassing for you as it was for me! However, I decided to set aside any qualms I may have had because the message is too important.
For more information about prostate cancer, and how to spot the symptoms of this disease that kills over 38,000 men in the UK every year, visit the Macmillan cancer charity and Prostate Cancer UK. Visitors outside the UK will no doubt know the equivalent organisations in your own country.
The take-away here is that if you are a black man aged over 40 or so, or a Caucasian man aged over 50, you should ask your doctor for a PSA blood test and/or a prostate exam. It only takes minutes, but could catch the disease early and save your life or prevent you needing the kind of treatment that I’m about to undergo.
Thanks for watching and I hope that you, or someone you know, will find it useful. By all means leave comments below.
Bravo, Henry. This will be an enormous source of reassurance and support for anyone else who faces such a situation. x
Thanks Roz – i hope so. X
My prayers are with you Henry for a full recovery and for strength and peace during this difficult time. You have given so much to our hobby. You have many people that you have never met hoping and wishing for your recovery. TY
Thank you very much TY.