Over five years ago, I made a decision that would change, and possibly save, my life. By chance, I asked my GP to carry out a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test. It wasn’t because I had symptoms. It wasn’t because someone advised me to. It was because a member of my church community had recently received a sudden, terminal diagnosis of prostate cancer. He sadly passed away just a few months later. His story left a deep impression on me — enough to prompt that simple blood test.

When my results came back, I was stunned; shocked; frightened. My mind immediately jumped to the worst possible outcome: death. At that moment, it felt like the ground had disappeared beneath my feet.

What followed was a journey marked by vigilance, support, and gradual understanding. I was placed on active surveillance, which involved three-monthly PSA tests, a biopsy, and eventually a CT scan. These confirmed the presence of prostate cancer, but thankfully at a low-risk (Level 1) stage. For a time, regular monitoring was enough.

However, at the beginning of 2024, things changed. After three consecutive increases in my PSA levels, it was clear that action was needed. I was given options — surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. After careful consideration and a lot of conversations with men who had walked this path before me, I opted for surgery in October 2024.

Thankfully, the cancer had not spread outside the prostate. I consider myself incredibly fortunate — many men are not so lucky.

Why screening and early detection matter

For women, routine breast cancer screening is rightly a standard part of healthcare. Yet when it comes to men, we still lack a structured, proactive approach to prostate health. Why should there not be a similar national screening programme for men?

Prostate cancer is often silent in its early stages. Without screening, many cases are not discovered until the disease has advanced. Early detection, as my experience shows, can make the difference between having treatment options — and facing a far more devastating diagnosis.

Breaking the silence: Why personal stories are vital

One of the most important things I have learnt is how powerful it is to talk about these experiences.

At the beginning of my diagnosis, I felt isolated. Fear thrives in silence. It was only by reaching out and hearing from other men — their honesty, their advice, their survival — that I found the strength to stay calm, ask questions, and make informed decisions about my care.

Personal stories are vital. They break down stigma. They educate. They give hope. They show others that they are not alone, no matter how frightening a diagnosis may seem.

If I had not heard others’ stories, my own journey might have been very different.

We must change the way we think about men’s health. It should not be left to chance, luck, or a passing conversation.

We need partners, daughters sons, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends — to encourage the men in their lives to take their health seriously. To make that GP appointment. To not ignore symptoms.

For men: we must feel confident to speak up about our health, without fear, embarrassment, or stigma. Seeking help is not weakness; it is strength.

No one should wait until symptoms appear. No one should assume they are “too young” or “too healthy” to be at risk.

Please — have the conversation. Encourage someone you love. Share your story. You never know whose life you might save.