CANCER patient Trevor Taylor has an important message.
After his condition was picked up when he mentioned some problems he was having to his GP during an appointment for a routine matter, he knows first-hand the importance of early cancer detection.
And he wants to let others know the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms to look for and urge them not to be embarrassed or to delay in seeing a doctor.
Mr Taylor, who lives with his wife and two cats in Layton, was diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 months ago and had to undergo keyhole surgery, but is now on the road to recovery.
The 66-year-old said: “‘You have cancer’ – must be one of the most dreaded and frightening things ever said to you.
“I had gone to my doctors for a routine issue, but while there I mentioned some problems I was having. Although it could have been anything, my doctor sent off a blood sample for the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test for prostate cancer and probably saved my life.”
Initially the cancer was localised and had not spread and doctors were content to monitor the situation, but then Mr Taylor’s readings shot up late last year and the consultant decided treatment was needed.
An MRI scan showed a slight growth in the cancer and Mr Taylor underwent his operation to remove the entire prostate gland at Royal Preston Hospital.
He praised the consultants and hospital staff at Royal Preston and Blackpool Victoria Hospital for the first-class care he received, as well as the doctor and staff at Glenroyd Medical Centre, on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.
The retired civil servant, who also used to work as a taxi driver, said: “The stay in hospital varies person to person, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that, after all my post-op tests were done, I could home the day after the operation.
“I was in a little bit of pain, but it was perfectly manageable and I need to self-inject antibiotics for a month to prevent infections.
“I don’t want to tempt fate, but with luck, I am fully cured.
“I want to say to all the men out there with a worry or problem with their waterworks, get yourself tested.
“From a simple blood test, my doctor has undoubtedly saved my life and it could save yours too.
“It is easy to put things off and convince yourself things are fine, but it really is so simple to do – so do it as soon as possible.
“And I have to thank all the doctors and NHS staff, who were magnificent in their own way.”
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