Peter Patrick is a father of 3 originally from Antrim but now  living in Greystones, Wicklow. Peter was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Spring of 2012. He was aware of the importance of being prostate health vigilant as he had taken part in a Movember fundraiser for his local cancer centre the year before his diagnosis and he was proactive in getting his PSA checked from then on.

The November after the fundraiser, his GP noticed a change in his PSA level which caused concern.

This is Peter’s story.

My GP noticed a change in my PSA level in November 2011 and subsequently arranged two further blood tests in December 2011 and then January 2012. The PSA level had nearly doubled over the course of a month. I was referred to SVUH and after scans and a biopsy, prostate cancer was confirmed.

I started external radiotherapy, after approximately halfway through that I had brachytherapy. There was quite serious inflammation in my waterworks after that and it was some months before that was resolved.

Approximately seven years later, my PSA levels increased again. After a PET/PSMA scan, I was told the cancer was in lymph nodes in my groin and the cancer was incurable but manageable. I started hormone therapy treatment, and I am still on that and my PSA is now 0.03. I am living with prostate cancer thanks to new treatments available.

My advice to men about their prostate heath and their health generally is to be proactive, to have yearly bloods done. My GP picked up on the difference in PSA from my previously taken bloods. Without this, I would never have known.

Give yourself the best chance of catching prostate cancer early when it is highly treatable.

Stand Up for Your Prostate!