Essex Prostate Cancer Survivor Urges Men to Get Checked
Samuel Nelson is working with Prostate Cancer UK on their new campaign "what on earth is a prostate?"
A prostate cancer survivor from Essex, is speaking out about the importance of early detection and urging men to get checked regularly.
Samuel Nelson shared his experience with prostate cancer, hoping it will serve as a reminder of the significance of timely diagnosis and taking action.
'Sam' who is 63, emphasized the impact of his father's death from prostate cancer and his own decision to undergo regular check-ups. He revealed that when his father passed away, the family was unaware of the cause of his death. It was later discovered that his father had prostate cancer, prompting Sam and his four brothers to undergo screenings.
"I was doing my 6 monthly check because of other issues that I was facing," Sam explained. During one of these routine screenings, he received distressing news from his doctor. "Mr. Sam, things are not looking good. Your PSA's up," the doctor informed him.
Despite experiencing no pain or noticeable symptoms, Sam's biopsy revealed that 10% of his prostate was cancerous. This shocking diagnosis prompted him to make a difficult decision regarding his treatment options. While his doctor suggested chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Sam decided against these approaches after witnessing his sister's unsuccessful battle with another form of cancer.
Instead, Sam opted for the surgical removal of his prostate. "I decided, no, I wanna live," he said. The operation took place in 2017, and since then, Sam's PSA levels have remained at zero, indicating successful treatment.
Motivated by his own experience, Samuel has become an advocate for raising awareness about prostate cancer. He urges men to take proactive steps and get regular check-ups, emphasizing that early detection can save lives. "From one in eight men, someone's gonna have it, one in four black men will have it. So you need to do something about it," he emphasized.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of his diagnosis, Samuel admitted that even with regular check-ups, he was unprepared for the news. However, he approached the situation pragmatically, considering the experiences of his father and sister. With the support of his wife, Sam made the decision to take control of his own body and pursue the necessary treatment.
"It was huge, but I was being pragmatic as well," Sam shared. "We've gotta get rid of this thing. If it's not at this stage, because I have to consider as well what is the stage of the cancer in the prostate."
Sam hopes his journey as a prostate cancer survivor will highlight the importance of regular check-ups and early detection - so he's working with Prostate cancer UK.
With more than 52,000 men receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis each year and 1 in 8 men facing the disease in their lifetime, they say it's crucial for men in Essex to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to protect against prostate cancer.
Particularly at higher risk are men over 50, Black men over 45, and those with a family history of the disease.
Their "What on Earth is a prostate?!" awareness campaign, is aimed at debunking widespread myths surrounding prostate cancer.
Shockingly, their research reveals that 60% of men have concerns about undergoing a rectal exam, with 37% of these individuals avoiding discussions with their general practitioners due to this anxiety.
By seeking timely screenings and remaining vigilant, lives can be saved and the impact of prostate cancer can be minimized.