A DAD-OF-TWO says he was ‘shocked’ when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer aged 44 and is now sharing his story in the hopes of helping others.
Dave Hunt from Garswood was diagnosed in September after feeling the need that he was desperate to go to the toilet, but having a weak urine flow and still feeling like he had a full bladder.
He said that if it wasn’t for two of his colleagues 10 years ago both being diagnosed with prostate cancer and being open about the symptoms that he may not have recognised the signs.
Dad-of-two Dave, who now lives in North Lincolnshire, said: “Ten years ago two friends of mine were diagnosed and thankfully they talked about the symptoms and all these years on I remembered that so when I had weak flow I went and got checked even though due to my age I thought it was probably an infection.
“The DRE check is when they check up the back passage to feel for the prostate and the doctor felt that mine was enlarged so did tests and found that my PSA levels – which should be at a three maximum – were at a 7.2, so I was sent for an MRI and it didn’t show anything but more tests showed my PSA went up to 7.9 and then again at 9.
“It was then that despite my MRI showing no signs, the PSA was worrying enough, and my uncle died of prostate cancer, that my consultant said he wouldn’t forgive himself if he didn’t send me for a biopsy.
“Out of 12 samples they took from both sides, five of them came back with cancer and I was just so shocked, I’m glad I pushed for more tests, after hearing how my friends were affected all those years ago.
“Fortunately, the samples that are cancerous show low growth or moderate growth, so I’m booked in in December for radical prostatectomy which is when they remove the prostate.”
Dave is now doing what can to raise awareness of prostate cancer, encourage men to check themselves and have an open conversation with people close to them.
He added: “My brother Mark has now been tested as our uncle had prostate cancer and now me but fortunately he’s ok, but now we know he will have checks yearly as will my son and my nephews to make sure the conversation is kept open.
“In the UK one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, in the US it is one in six and stats show we are going more in that direction, so we need to communicate.
“I’ve done talks in work about it and I think the test intimidates men from getting checked but I always say this ‘It may be uncomfortable but my uncle died after his cancer spread everywhere. It’s worth a moment of discomfort that could save your life.”
Dave is also fundraising to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK to thank the charity for all they have done to support him and his family.
To donate, go to https://gofund.me/de58a3db
What are the signs of Prostate cancer?
• difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder
• a weak flow when you urinate
• a feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
• dribbling urine after you finish urinating
• needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night
• a sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet.
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