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Ian Hedley, keeps a close eye on his PSA levels these days.
He says although measuring the amount of prostate specific antigen in a man’s blood is not always reliable or favoured by all doctors, it is the best early warning sign we currently have for possible prostate cancer.
“The key is to have the test done regularly, so you have a benchmark and can see if the level goes up,” Ian says.
The Orewa resident, aged 79, began taking more of an interest in his prostate and checking his PSA levels when he was in his fifties after having an operation for benign hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate, also known as ‘old man’s disease’).
When the level went from 6 to 10, a biopsy found aggressive prostate cancer.
A radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy were successful, as the cancer found was still enclosed in the prostate capsule, but Ian says it was depressing to be left impotent at the age of 68.
He says his work helping others via the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s helpline reinforced that impotence is a big issue for men who have had prostate cancer – and their partners.
“Although there are some options, such as penile injections and pills, it changes your married life and your sex life and there were a lot of separations and some very sad people,” he says.
Several years later, Ian noticed his PSA level creeping up again and a small group of metastasised cells were found in a lymph node adjacent to his collarbone. This is being controlled with a regime of drugs.
“Medicine and scanning/radiation options have improved hugely in 20 years and, if found early, so has the prognosis. I guess I’m going to have it now until I fall off my perch, but the drugs and regular tests gives the best chance of attacking it.”
Ian says life is good. He is married to “a very understanding and special lady” and has a large blended family including 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He says, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer, it’s important to have regular checks.
“I make sure that my son and brother get tested. Getting it early gives you a better chance of getting through. It can be an uncomfortable subject but I think men are not as shy to come forward as they were a generation ago,” he says. “Things like Blue September and various well known entities with prostate cancer made it easier.”
The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s helpline is 0800 477 678.
Blue September
September is the annual awareness and fundraising month for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. People are invited to register to host an event or activity – such as a golf day, barbecue, morning tea, girls’ night out or office party – in return for donations, with all funds going to Blue September. Last September there were 437 registered events in Auckland, which raised more than $128,000. Info: www.blueseptember.org.nz
Prostate cancer facts
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi men
- More than 600 Kiwi men die from prostate cancer each year.
- It is the third most deadly cancer in men, following lung and bowel cancers.
- Around 3000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
- Māori men are 72 percent more likely to die of prostate cancer once they are diagnosed than non-Māori.
- Between 10 percent to 20 percent of men with prostate cancer progress onto advanced prostate cancer within 3-5 years.
- Early detection saves lives and a blood test is all it takes to start the process
