More options would help men like me

DAVID Pallass, at the age of 57, considers himself to be young and active.

So when he had prostate cancer diagnosed five years ago, he was keen to avoid any drastic treatment that would come with long-term side effects.

For many, a diagnosis means surgery, radiotherapy or hormone treatments – all with risks of life-altering side effects.

Instead, Mr Pallass, of Dronfield, Derbyshire, said he had regular blood tests and scans. He said: ‘The tumour was very small and the chance of it becoming more serious was very low.’

About 18 months ago he had a serious infection linked to his prostate. Even then, surgeons avoided the most radical option – removing his prostate – and instead cut away a section.

He hopes new treatments could provide more options in future alongside radiotherapy and full surgery.

Mr Pallass added: ‘The more they push the prostate cancer research on, the more progress they are making.’