Real Talk: Men in the Midlands share their experiences of prostate cancer

Growing awareness. More open conversations. Nationwide campaigns. Today, more men than ever before understand their risk of prostate cancer and are taking action sooner.  

But in some parts of the UK more than others, it is still being diagnosed when it’s too late for a cure. Men living in Scotland and the South West of England are more likely to find out they have prostate cancer after it has already spread or become harder to treat.  

And in the Midlands, as many as 1 in 5 men with prostate cancer are diagnosed too late to be cured. It shouldn't be this way.  

Too many men still don’t know their risk and what they can do about it. That’s why talking about prostate cancer matters.  

A single conversation with a friend, a brother, a partner, or a colleague down the pub can be the spark that sets off a life-saving chain reaction – one that prompts men to take that important first step and check their risk. 

That simple action could lead to an early diagnosis, giving the best possible chance of successful treatment, and the time to enjoy more tomorrows. 

Lifesaving conversations: talking about prostate cancer

Nick, Ian, Dave and Martin all have strong ties to the Midlands, and each has his own prostate cancer story. They know first-hand how powerful these conversations can be.  

Now they’re keeping that chain reaction going, and using their experiences, voices, and hopes for the future to reach men in the Midlands and beyond.   

How Nick used his diagnosis to help other men act sooner

BBC Midlands presenter Nick Owen was diagnosed in April 2023. He spoke publicly about his diagnosis and treatment, using his platform to raise awareness of the illness and encourage other men to check their risk. 

"I found it remarkable how many people have come up to me and told me they've had a prostate cancer experience,” says Nick. “It's staggering. It would have never happened before." 

"I really want to urge people to think about it. Be aware of prostate cancer, how it can strike you without any symptoms, without any warning.  

“Get in the system, get a PSA blood test, and hopefully be given the all-clear. But if you're not, you're catching it early." 

How hearing one story inspired Ian to catch his cancer early

For Ian Phillipson, from Burghill, Herefordshire, it was watching Nick speak on BBC Midlands Today about his own diagnosis that changed everything. Ian requested a PSA blood test – and caught his cancer early. Now he’s determined to help other men take action too.   

"It was the power of somebody saying that this is something you should do, that actually led to catching it early,” says Ian. “My oncologist said we could be having an entirely different conversation two years down the line." 

"Having had my diagnosis, my treatment, it certainly seems to have changed my attitude to the way I look at the world. How precious it is to be disease-free. I've got more time to do what I want to do. 

“If you don't check your risk, if you don't do something about this, you’re diminishing potential and you're putting yourself in danger".  

Why Dave is determined to save other men

Dave Cossie from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, began getting regular PSA blood tests after his twin brother Pete was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Knowing that his Caribbean heritage meant he was at higher risk of prostate cancer made him even more determined to act.  

In December 2025, Dave’s brother sadly passed away, peacefully and with family by his side. Dave is now more determined than ever to get the message out there, urge men to know their risk, and potentially save a life.  

"Anybody with any kind of Black background needs to get checked if they're over 50,” says Dave. “I wasn't aware of that until my twin brother got diagnosed. In fact, he's probably saved my life, which I find hard. I've learnt so much.  

"Had there been a screening programme, my brother probably would have found out a lot earlier than he did. It wasn't something that popped up overnight.” 

How Martin’s family history inspired him to act

Martin Walsh, from Coventry, knew that prostate cancer had affected other men in his family. He took the Risk Checker, which helped him take the next step and request a PSA blood test from his GP. Now Martin encourages everyone else to check their risk too.  

"If you know your risk, your journey can start from there,” he says. “You can look at the prospects of having a PSA test. Even if in the absence of a screening programme, you're not going to get invited for a PSA test, you can ask your GP.  

"Take the Risk Checker, act early, and get a second chance at life. More and more men in the Midlands need to have that opportunity, because 1 in 5 being diagnosed too late to have that, is just too many.” 

Talk to the men in your life today

Talking about prostate cancer saves lives.  

Check your risk today – and join the nearly 5 million men who’ve already used the Risk Checker.  

Or share it with someone you care about, and start a conversation that could spark a life-saving chain reaction.  

Because the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. The more men who take that step, the more lives we can save.   

CHECK YOUR RISK TODAY