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I acknowledge that this post will be lengthy and that many will give up well before the end, but please bear with me.
Towards the end of 2025 I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, diagnosed too late for a cure, chemotherapy and radiotherapy not an option.
All I have is an implant every 12 weeks, that blocks the production of Testosterone. To put it bluntly Chemical Castration with a side serving of unpleasant side effects. This will continue until it stops working.
I decided a few months ago that I needed to do all I could to promote awareness of the need to be diagnosed at the earliest opportunity. Pick it up early you can go onto active surveillance, regular testing, leading if necessary to a cure. The biggest problem is that not everyone shows recognised symptoms. I didn’t I sort attention due to a back pain, GP diagnosed, remotely, I had pulled a muscle. Despite telling him the pain felt more internal, and not like a strained muscle. He insisted I needed to self refer to Physiotherapy.
I ended up ringing 111, getting call back from on duty GP, invited to go to Hadleigh for an examination. She picked it up straight away.
I discussed with Phil if best approach was to Club or Foundation. Phil forwarded our exchanges to Foundation but it took a couple of prods to get a response. They applauded my approach, thought it was a good idea, but didn’t have the funds available at this time. An approach to Cancer Support Suffolk brought no response. I spoke to HALO, was given Paul Hamilton’s email address but sadly no response. This was all over the school holidays time to give it another push.
Swansea periodically arrange screening sessions, a family member of an employee having been diagnosed. Their sessions are now fully sponsored by a company after one their employees was identified , at a testing session, and now firmly believed going for a test saved his life.
I am aware another Premier League club are looking to arrange a screening session in January.
Swansea’s fan base , much like Ipswich is well spread. They have had screenings sessions involving 450 then 350 men in the target range of 45- 75. Plus men of colour or those with a family history of prostate, or breast, cancer.
Now the question would Ipswich fans come forward for screening if not then I am wasting my time.
Please let me have your thoughts, it would be useful to know how many of us have been , or are going through a personal cancer journey. Those who have will tell you they don’t suffer alone as it has a massive impact on partners and family members.
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 12:22 - Sep 3 by ChalonerC
Well done everyone, lots of helpful comments. I have been campaigning for years for a national screening programme, especially for those who have family history and from ethnic minorities. Back in 2015 I was diagnosed with stage 4, Gleason 8 and am still alive and kicking. I produced the 1st docu film about prostate cancer with my son who is a professional film maker. We finished in 2021 at the outbreak of Covid. The last person to be interviewed was only 42 yrs old. The aim was to help and support men and their partners.
Here is the link , much of it still relevant today, especially about making healthier lifestyle choices.
It is called One Man's Journey. And believe me, supporting ITFC thru all those tough times helped enormously. I actually approached the Club in 2017 to help publicise, but not a very positive response.
Wishing all those who have been diagnosed and are on their journey, all the best of luck.
An excellent watch.I have shared to a Facebook Prostate Cancer Support group.
Burton Albion were doing this ten years ago. Stoke & Chesterfield do it. Even Colchester United have made a worthwhile contribution, just a few years ago.
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