Routine prostrate blood test leads to life-saving diagnosis for North Down man
Men across the South Eastern Trust area are being urged to be aware of changes in their urinary health and speak to their GP if they notice any symptoms as part of Urology Awareness Month this September.
The South Eastern Trust is using Urology Awareness Month to highlight Prostate Disease and Prostate Cancer and the importance of seeking early medical advice when changes occur.
For 74-year-old North Down man, David, a family history of Prostate Cancer prompted his GP to recommend regular PSA blood tests from the age of 50.
After years of normal results, a routine test in his late sixties showed a significant rise in his Prostate Specific Antigen level (PSA) which led to further investigations and ultimately a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer in 2021.
David is now sharing his experience to encourage other men to be proactive about their Prostate Health and not to ignore changes.
David said: “My GP said to me when I hit 50, I want you to get a PSA test every year on your birthday. My father had Prostate Cancer, so we thought it was genetic.
“Everything was fine until I was in my late sixties when I got the PSA test from the doctor and it had gone through the roof.
“My GP referred me to the Ulster Hospital and I got an appointment with Mr Sam Gray. He did a couple of tests along with some biopsies and initially there was no sign of cancer.
“However, my PSA had not come down so he kept on investigating. I then underwent two MRI scans in the Ulster Hospital and a bone density scan at Belfast City Hospital. I then had another biopsy at Lagan Valley Hospital and they found that there was cancer.
“I said to Mr Gray that I did not want hormone treatment and wanted the cancer removed. He arranged for me to have surgery. Unfortunately, my PSA did not come down after the operation, so I was referred to the Cancer Unit at Belfast City Hospital.
“I then had a CT scan and a month of intensive Radiotherapy. After that, my PSA was down to 0.03 and for the last four years, it has stayed at 0.03.
“I have continued to have follow-up appointments with Mr Gray and I know that if there is ever anything wrong, I can phone his Secretary. I really could not have received any better care in the Ulster Hospital if I had gone privately. Between my GP and Mr Gray, they saved my life. I can say that without a doubt.”
David also experienced complications following his treatment and said the ongoing support of the Urology Team at the South Eastern Trust gave him reassurance when he needed it.
David said: “I would say to any man over 50 to get checked and speak to your doctor. The PSA test is literally a blood test and only takes a few minutes. You might get a low result and everything is fine, but you never know when it could change, as mine did.”
South Eastern Trust, Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr Sam Gray said men should not ignore changes to their urinary habits and encouraged them to speak to their GP.
Mr Gray added: “Symptoms of Prostate Disease and Prostate Cancer can be quite varied, but most men will notice changes. These could include an increased frequency or urgency when passing urine, including needing to get up more often during the night. Men may also notice that their flow of urine is reduced or that it stops and starts.
“These symptoms do not automatically mean that someone has Prostate Disease or Prostate Cancer, but they should raise awareness and prompt a conversation with your GP.
“Your GP may recommend a PSA blood test. PSA levels vary according to age and if a result is raised, a repeat test may be recommended to make sure that something temporary has not affected the result.
“If a man is referred to the South Eastern Trust for further investigation, this will generally involve an MRI scan which gives us much more detail about the Prostate.
“Some men may then require a Prostate biopsy. Our Teams at the Ulster Hospital have considerable experience in carrying out these investigations and supporting patients throughout the process.”
Mr Gray added: “If a biopsy confirms Prostate Cancer, each patient is discussed at a Multi-disciplinary Team meeting involving Urologists, Oncologists, Radiologists and Pathologists. This allows us to look at the individual as a whole and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
“A significant number of Prostate Cancers are diagnosed at an early stage and some men will be suitable for active surveillance where the cancer can be safely monitored without immediate treatment.
“For those who require active treatment, options can include Hormone Therapy, Radiotherapy or Surgery, including robot-assisted radical Prostatectomy for suitable patients.
“Our key message during Urology Awareness Month is simple. Be aware of your body and if you notice changes, particularly changes in and around urination, speak to your GP and have them checked.”
David encouraged men who are experiencing symptoms to reach out and get checked early, “Men can feel embarrassed talking about these things, but there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The key message is get it checked. If your doctor thinks there is a problem with your Prostate, they will refer you to the appropriate Urology Team.
“I have been telling all my male friends over 50 to talk to their GP about getting a PSA test. I was lucky that mine was picked up and treated. The key message is definitely get checked.”
“I wish to thank the Urology staff in the Ulster Hospital for the fantastic care I received during my treatment, especially the Day Procedure staff who were most attentive during my day procedure operation. I cannot praise all the staff for their professionalism, they were amazing.”
