It’s treated like an old man’s disease — so people don’t care

DAVID Laundon was diagnosed with prostate cancer after he started having problems going to the loo.

His GP referred him to a urologist and tests found cancerous cells.

‘It was a huge shock – I’d had no symptoms and suddenly I was faced with a frightening diagnosis,’ said the 69-year-old father of two. ‘Fortunately, my cancer was considered lowgrade, which meant the best way forward was to watch and wait.

‘Every six months, I went to my local health centre for a blood test, which checked my level of PSA – a protein given off by the prostate into the bloodstream. If this increased, it wasn’t good.

‘For almost eight years, I forgot about the cancerous cells and got on with my life. Then, in August 2015, I got bad news: my PSA levels were up, meaning the cancer was becoming more aggressive.’

The retired IT manager from Sandbach, Cheshire, was given the choice between surgery, which removes the prostate, or radiotherapy, which is supposed to kill the tumour.

‘Never having been in this situation before, I had no idea which to choose,’ he said. ‘My wife Wendy and I had consultations with two different doctors, but neither of them committed to a course of action.

‘We had all the facts laid out, but – unlike other forms of cancer – you’re not told which one to choose. You’re invited to make your own decision. In my experience, there is a vast difference between prostate cancer and cancers that affect women. There is no early screening for men. Women are used to smears and mammograms, but men are left until they start experiencing symptoms – and, for many of us, this means diagnosis comes too late.

‘Also, it’s seen as an older man’s problem. There’s less information, limited support and advice – and ultimately people don’t see why they should care, until it happens to them or to someone they love. We need to change attitudes if we want to start saving lives.’

Mr Laundon initially opted for radiotherapy then chose surgery, with devastating results: incontinence and impotence.

‘It’s had a huge impact on my life, on my relationship with my wife and on my general health,’ he said.

‘But I have managed to adapt my life as best I can. I still work, as chairman of a local prostate cancer support group, and I keep up my hobbies – sports photography and motorbiking – at weekends. It helps that I have a loving, supportive family who have always been there for me.

‘If I could go back, I probably wouldn’t have that operation. I simply didn’t understand the risks.’

Mr Laundon was later told his levels of PSA were rising again and there could be residual cancer cells. He has initially turned down treatment, despite the dangers.