Leaving nothing to chance: it’s time we stopped men dying too soon

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There are so many moments in life that come down to chance. We might bump into an old friend in the supermarket or find a winning lottery ticket down the back of the sofa.

But there are some things that should never be left to chance. And prostate cancer is one of them.

1 in 8 men will get it - and the odds only get worse if you’re Black, over 50 or if it runs in your family.

With prostate cancer, the earlier you find it the easier it is to treat. But because it doesn’t usually have symptoms, far too many men find out they have the disease by complete chance. When it’s too late. It’s about time we changed the story.

‘A wave went all down my body - I just felt completely numb’

In September 2021, when Paul Lythe visited his GP for a routine medical appointment, prostate cancer was the last thing on his mind. He had a blood test for something completely unrelated - but just a few weeks later he was given the diagnosis that would change his life forever.

“I had the blood test not even thinking about prostate cancer or any other serious issues, so I really had no idea,” he explained. “The immediate thought that goes through your head is, ‘this is the end of my life’. It suddenly hit me and a wave went all down my body. I just felt completely numb.”

After further scans and biopsies, Paul learned that his cancer was locally advanced. But, thankfully, it hadn’t spread beyond the prostate and could be treated. In the circumstances, he says, it was the best news he could have hoped for.

Today, Paul continues to receive treatment and is making good progress. Shockingly, however, his son James was also diagnosed with the disease in his 40s, after Paul urged him to take a PSA blood test. Now Paul’s made it his personal mission to educate other men about prostate cancer.

“I'm obviously really sad that I got it but also sad that I didn't bother educating myself,” said Paul. “Sad that nobody actively pushed me into having a check in the first place, not even my doctor. Sad that I didn't know what other symptoms to look out for in time to do something about it earlier.

“Sad that it's really something every man over 50 should be routinely tested for, but there's not a national programme. I'm sad that the lack of knowledge and little focus from our health system means that too many men will find themselves in my position.

“If I’d left it another year, who knows what would have happened? There’s no point leaving it because you’re just going to take a chance on your life."

‘An early diagnosis means radical treatments can often be avoided’

Paul’s diagnosis came out of the blue. And every year there are thousands more men with a similar story. But sadly for some, the news comes too late.

Mr Jonathan Noël is a Consultant Urological & Robotic Prostate Surgeon. He says stories like Paul’s are far too common.

“The majority of men that I see with prostate cancer have presented with an incidental diagnosis – because they’ve had another medical issue that has brought them to the GP's surgery,” he explained.

“An early diagnosis of low-risk cancer means radical treatments can often be delayed or avoided entirely, and treated with active surveillance. But when prostate cancer diagnosis is left later, more radical surgery is needed - which can come with side effects.

“Many men believe that if they haven't been called for a PSA blood test by their GP, it equates to a ‘clean bill of health’. I see it every week in my consulting room. It couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Will you help fund research, improve early diagnosis and save lives?

Early diagnosis could prevent up to 40% of prostate cancer deaths and save thousands of lives every year. That's exactly what our latest TV advert is all about. Have you seen it yet?

Our advert explains that too many men only get their diagnosis by chance – after it’s spread and when treatment options are limited. It shouldn’t be this way.

With more funding for vital research – like our £42 million TRANSFORM study, the most comprehensive prostate cancer screening trial ever – we can boost the odds of finding prostate cancer earlier.

Donate today to help fund research, improve early diagnosis and save lives. We can’t do it without you.

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