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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.
Brilliant post. Early detection is where it's at. I've had Gleeson level 9 Prostate Cancer. Chemo & Radio & Brachy and on-going hormone therapy and have been in remission for 18 months. Hope the club supports your push. Good luck
bluescouser
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 21:15 - Sep 1 with 1647 views
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 21:02 - Sep 1 by cbower
Brilliant post. Early detection is where it's at. I've had Gleeson level 9 Prostate Cancer. Chemo & Radio & Brachy and on-going hormone therapy and have been in remission for 18 months. Hope the club supports your push. Good luck
I have extensive spread to lymph nodes, bones and bone marrow. The Urologists nurse asked me to promise not to trip or fall. The chances are, that if I did fall, my bones would shatter rather than a simple fracture. First PSA was 350, latest 0.07.
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February. I was beginning to find an urgent need to go to the loo and too frequently as well. Having read so much about prostate cancer in the media, I thought I should check out the issue with my GP. After discussion, he gave me a digital examination and said he thought there was no problem but would do a psa blood test to be sure. That turned out to be marginal so the next step was an MRI scan. Again that was inconclusive so they suggested a biopsy which confirmed early stage, localised prostate cancer.
I was given a choice of treatments or to go on active surveillance and checked every three months. After a month's consideration I opted for radiotherapy and was booked for the 20 daily sessions in July. However, a few days before it was to start. my consultant phoned and told me of a new radiotherapy treatment (SABR) which had just been authorised by the NHS. This was for five , more intensive and focused sessions. I am now six weeks post radiotherapy and yes, the first two weeks afterwards were not pleasant and my first venture out four weeks after was to the Sunderland match!
The bottom line for me is that they are confident I will be cured and I had my first post radiotherapy blood test today. I am thankful to have been diagnosed early and that I made that decision to get checked despite my feelings of embarrassment. My GP was amazing and I was put on the cancer pathway and very quickly moved through the diagnostic stages.
It is scandalous that despite a huge campaign from the Prostate Cancer Society that there is not a national screening programme for all men of a certain age and I fully applaud the OP's thoughts. Best wishes Pinewood!
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 21:24 - Sep 1 with 1577 views
Mine was picked up as a result of kidney stones. ‘Possibility of prostate cancer, we need to do some tests’. Had far too many fingers up my ‘arris than was good for me, a camera pushed down my Hampton (which gave the biggest indicator), and finally a biopsy taken through my perineum that confirmed it. None of that was fun or comfortable but…
Twenty-eight sessions of radiotherapy and two years of hormone treatment to suppress the testosterone later and still not told I’m cured and probably won’t be for another year but the signs are good. No further symptoms and living with the effects of the radiotherapy and hormones.
The operative word there is living. A long, painful, embarrassing and arduous road but still alive to spend time with my wonderful partner, my glorious family, my adored granddaughter; none of which would have been possible without those tests.
If you’re in the high risk groups get it done, if you’re offered the chance for a test take it.
Have recommended this on here before but if you get the chance listen to the BBC podcasts ‘Jon Holmes uses the C word’. Not all about prostate cancer but much of them are. A really good listen and believe it or not a lot of laughs.
Edit: Sorry, meant to say thanks to the OP for raising this and all the best to you for the future
[Post edited 1 Sep 21:25]
Better to stay silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 21:41 - Sep 1 with 1494 views
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 21:18 - Sep 1 by swede
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February. I was beginning to find an urgent need to go to the loo and too frequently as well. Having read so much about prostate cancer in the media, I thought I should check out the issue with my GP. After discussion, he gave me a digital examination and said he thought there was no problem but would do a psa blood test to be sure. That turned out to be marginal so the next step was an MRI scan. Again that was inconclusive so they suggested a biopsy which confirmed early stage, localised prostate cancer.
I was given a choice of treatments or to go on active surveillance and checked every three months. After a month's consideration I opted for radiotherapy and was booked for the 20 daily sessions in July. However, a few days before it was to start. my consultant phoned and told me of a new radiotherapy treatment (SABR) which had just been authorised by the NHS. This was for five , more intensive and focused sessions. I am now six weeks post radiotherapy and yes, the first two weeks afterwards were not pleasant and my first venture out four weeks after was to the Sunderland match!
The bottom line for me is that they are confident I will be cured and I had my first post radiotherapy blood test today. I am thankful to have been diagnosed early and that I made that decision to get checked despite my feelings of embarrassment. My GP was amazing and I was put on the cancer pathway and very quickly moved through the diagnostic stages.
It is scandalous that despite a huge campaign from the Prostate Cancer Society that there is not a national screening programme for all men of a certain age and I fully applaud the OP's thoughts. Best wishes Pinewood!
As part of the recent review comments were sort from the general public, I was one of only 900 who responded. They did supply me with a link to all the evidence collected not just from general public but also the experts. In the final summary the words cost effective appeared too frequently.
There are plenty of studies being undertaken that will hopefully lead to a better survival rate, but only if more people get tested.
Assuming something can be sorted, already spoken to CHAPS, Dedham based, who would do all the spade work, very little effort needed by the club. Just promote it. Seeing totally different responses from three shows how diverse the impact it is, perhaps we could volunteer to answer question from any of those who come forward for screening,
Think about thst again once we get a foot in the door.
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 21:15 - Sep 1 by Pinewoodblue
I have extensive spread to lymph nodes, bones and bone marrow. The Urologists nurse asked me to promise not to trip or fall. The chances are, that if I did fall, my bones would shatter rather than a simple fracture. First PSA was 350, latest 0.07.
Best of luck to you my friend. Cancer is a b@stard but you just got to keep fighting.
bluescouser
2
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 22:34 - Sep 1 with 1341 views
So sorry to read your news. I recall your kindness and advice in 2014 when I had a Bell's Palsy and only wish I could reciprocate.
Everything you have to say on the subject of Prostate Cancer is so important in saving lives. Both my dad and father in law had the disease and despite treatment, it was ultimately the cause of my FIL's passing. My wife and daughter have both run half marathons to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and the best way I can support is by making sure I'm tested regularly. The most recent was a fortnight ago and thankfully clear.
Please keep up the good work and for any guys who are putting it off - GET YOURSELF TESTED - and let Pinewood have your thoughts on the screening suggestion.
It's 106 miles to Portman Road, we've got a full tank of gas, half a round of Port Salut, it's dark... and we're wearing blue tinted sunglasses.
Really sorry to hear of your predicament, but if my experience is anything to go by, the answer to the question in your penultimate paragraph is a resounding yes.
There is a charity called Prostate Cancer Support Organisation which carries out prostate cancer testing in the Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent area.
I attended one of their sessions in the town in west Kent where I live in 2024. It was organised by the local Lions and there were loads of men who came along.
My risk was very low, and they suggested retesting in 3 years' time, although depending on the results, the recommendation could have been for 1 or 2 years'.
Here is a link to their website, and maybe you could contact them to see if they know of any similar organisation in the East Anglia area, or even if they would be prepared to move outside their normal area. They might even be able to advise on setting up something similar in Suffolk.
Thank you for posting this. It’s much appreciated. I shall stop making excuses and get tested. I really have no excuses beyond lack of effort, fear and embarrassment.
With regard to screening programs I’m all for them. Lifesavers. I did do the bowel screening one. I had no idea what it involved (the whizzway camera) and they did pick up and remove a small polyp. The nurse afterwards that most people don't show up but it can be a lifesaver. She said what they removed was almost certainly benign (it was) but if it wasn’t it could be treated no problem. Left until symptoms present and it’d possibly been too late or at best radical, devastating treatment (see Sheepshanks interview).
Mrs Cs cancer was found when they were testing for something else. Not screening but a similar principle. It was I quote stage 1.5 and she is fine following her operation and radiotherapy. The treatment she had at Maidstone has been faultless.
This is a long winded way of saying how right you and others are. I shall give myself a proverbial kick up the @rse and get it done. Thanks again to you and others for posting on this.
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 07:44 - Sep 2 with 1066 views
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 07:23 - Sep 2 by GeoffSentence
I think it is because the PSA test is basically a coin toss, something like a 55% chance of the test being correct.
This is correct but what a high PSA reading can do is flag up the need for an M.R.l scan which is what happened for me, although having lost my Dad to prostate cancer will have made this more pressing. My Dad's doctor failed to recommend this when his numbers were on the high side and he was too late once other symptoms developed. As usual, funding is the real issue. I have bi annual checks now and my numbers vary significantly but consider myself very lucky to have a base line scan they can refer back to and compare on subsequent scans (I have had 2 further ones when my numbers concerned them)
Get tested.
"They break our legs and tell us to be grateful when they offer us crutches."
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 07:23 - Sep 2 by GeoffSentence
I think it is because the PSA test is basically a coin toss, something like a 55% chance of the test being correct.
Prostate cancer is now very common, largely because people are living longer. However, many prostate cancers are not life threatening but the fear of this can lead people to have unnecessary operations that often do more harm than good. So anyone with prostate cancer should try to consider their options very carefully.
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 07:08 - Sep 2 by DJR
Really sorry to hear of your predicament, but if my experience is anything to go by, the answer to the question in your penultimate paragraph is a resounding yes.
There is a charity called Prostate Cancer Support Organisation which carries out prostate cancer testing in the Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent area.
I attended one of their sessions in the town in west Kent where I live in 2024. It was organised by the local Lions and there were loads of men who came along.
My risk was very low, and they suggested retesting in 3 years' time, although depending on the results, the recommendation could have been for 1 or 2 years'.
Here is a link to their website, and maybe you could contact them to see if they know of any similar organisation in the East Anglia area, or even if they would be prepared to move outside their normal area. They might even be able to advise on setting up something similar in Suffolk.
“Our local professional football club are offering testing through the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative. That's the Initiative that started me on my Cancer journey as I had no symptoms.”
Another life saved. We all identify with our local football clubs. They could do so much more to create awareness.
As an addition to my earlier post, any form of screening has to be worth it. If it’s tied in with football clubs or anything else that men identify with then good.
Worth giving this a wider audience too. When I was first diagnosed the doctor giving me the news told me that “more men die with prostate cancer than of it” and that was down to treatments of various kinds.
GET F***ING TESTED
Better to stay silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 11:40 - Sep 3 with 606 views
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 11:27 - Sep 3 by IndependentlyBlue
As an addition to my earlier post, any form of screening has to be worth it. If it’s tied in with football clubs or anything else that men identify with then good.
Worth giving this a wider audience too. When I was first diagnosed the doctor giving me the news told me that “more men die with prostate cancer than of it” and that was down to treatments of various kinds.
GET F***ING TESTED
While that statement is true and reassuring at the time, for too many it translates into “sorry you were diagnosed too late”
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 11:27 - Sep 3 by IndependentlyBlue
As an addition to my earlier post, any form of screening has to be worth it. If it’s tied in with football clubs or anything else that men identify with then good.
Worth giving this a wider audience too. When I was first diagnosed the doctor giving me the news told me that “more men die with prostate cancer than of it” and that was down to treatments of various kinds.
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.
OldGaffer
1
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 12:55 - Sep 3 with 501 views
Thanks for sharing this and others for commenting their experiences. I’m 52 and had a message from GP surgery a little while back saying they were sending out a test kit, it arrived and sat there for weeks then I got a follow up message. I decided last night to do it and sent it in the post today, I’m now waiting the long wait to hear back. I only did it last night because I’m away with my 2 daughters this weekend and know it will take my mind off it. I have always been of the mind that I wouldn’t want to know but have decided that might be selfish of me. I hope you personally get to make some more good memories with the people around you when you feel up to it. Thanks again for sharing.
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 13:17 - Sep 3 with 480 views
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 12:55 - Sep 3 by FelixBlue4
Thanks for sharing this and others for commenting their experiences. I’m 52 and had a message from GP surgery a little while back saying they were sending out a test kit, it arrived and sat there for weeks then I got a follow up message. I decided last night to do it and sent it in the post today, I’m now waiting the long wait to hear back. I only did it last night because I’m away with my 2 daughters this weekend and know it will take my mind off it. I have always been of the mind that I wouldn’t want to know but have decided that might be selfish of me. I hope you personally get to make some more good memories with the people around you when you feel up to it. Thanks again for sharing.
It is always best to know and take ownership.
OldGaffer
1
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 13:34 - Sep 3 with 463 views
Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 12:55 - Sep 3 by FelixBlue4
Thanks for sharing this and others for commenting their experiences. I’m 52 and had a message from GP surgery a little while back saying they were sending out a test kit, it arrived and sat there for weeks then I got a follow up message. I decided last night to do it and sent it in the post today, I’m now waiting the long wait to hear back. I only did it last night because I’m away with my 2 daughters this weekend and know it will take my mind off it. I have always been of the mind that I wouldn’t want to know but have decided that might be selfish of me. I hope you personally get to make some more good memories with the people around you when you feel up to it. Thanks again for sharing.
Well done. Hope the results are good for you.
Better to stay silent and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt
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Prostate Cancer identify it at an early stage and improve survival chances on 13:57 - Sep 3 with 427 views
A few years back, I think the Saturday before Leeds 2018, there was a blood testing day in the Bobby Robson suite, donations, the results emailed to you if need bee, by a charity based, I’m pretty sure, in Dedham. It’s not happened since, and it was busy. How this is not made a twice yearly event is beyond me. Maybe worth another go with the Club, bring up that’s its happened before, why not now? They even allowed parking in the ground.
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