When it comes to prostate cancer, a simple blood test could save your life, writes Peter Rowe FCIOB.
I first worked on a construction site as an operative some 45 years ago, with ongoing development to become a bricklayer.
In the early nineties, I retrained and moved into the professional side of the industry as a building surveyor, then 15 years ago I became a director of a small multidisciplinary construction consultancy.
I have moved through the ranks and understand what it is like to be stuck in the mud and then stuck in the office.
Last year, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), I feel it is important to get the message out in support of PSA testing within the industry.
So, what happened? I had never really noticed any of the symptoms you will commonly read about, such as problems going to the loo – other than after a night out, for example, which I had simply put down to dehydration.
However, one weekend after a friend’s 60th birthday bash, my “dehydration” got so bad that I had to go to A&E the next day. Over the following weeks, it was confirmed that I had an enlarged prostate, which seemed relatively straightforward to deal with in the scheme of things.
However, after a few weeks of further tests and scans, I was then diagnosed with prostate cancer and given the choice of treatment or surgery.
Because of the findings of the biopsy, I chose radical surgery, which can require up to a year for full recovery. I will need ongoing PSA blood tests to check that no cancerous cells were left behind.
The importance of early detection
It is quite clear to me now that had I thought about what was happening to me and found the time to go to my doctor and ask for a PSA test, surgery may have been avoided.
What I did find out during the many months of waiting for tests was that if there are work constraints on booking via the NHS – for example, trying to get a doctor’s appointment – then you can schedule a PSA test privately. I did this early on in the process for around £60. The appointment was scheduled for late afternoon, so did not have much of an impact on work.
Before Christmas I bumped into an old friend who, unbeknownst to me, had also received late diagnosis of prostate cancer. I count myself lucky because, along with the common side effects of his chemotherapy, he is also having to use a mobility scooter to get around.
Given what happened, I should mention the impact on others. It has been particularly stressful for my family and those at work who had to cover for me when I was attending tests, when I was in hospital, when I was in initial recovery, and not being able to drive post-operation for several weeks – the list goes on.
So, please take a PSA test for both your sake and the people in your life. It is a simple blood test, it’s not embarrassing and could save your life.
Peter Rowe FCIOB is managing director of PHPS.
