PROSTATE cancer is the most common cancer in men – but how many men and their families actually know this?
This year, Prostate Cancer UK have been telling the stories of men with prostate cancer, and those closest to them, to celebrate all of the great things about them, and everything we’d miss if they weren’t here.
Right now, you can click here to visit their website and watch a very special film, called The Sit Down, where Ray Winstone talks to his two friends and business associates, Gary Petit and Peter Varney, all supporters of Prostate Cancer UK, about their own prostate cancer journeys.
TEASER VIDEO HERE
Talking about the disease many of his friends had been diagnosed with, Ray said “no one wants to say nothing!”
However, it shouldn’t be a taboo topic.
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, and 1 in 4 black men. Men most at risk of prostate cancer are over 50, or if they have a family history of the disease – but we rarely talk about it.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Peter said, “You know what I’ve found, it’s odd, isn’t it, when you reflect on it? I suppose you think it’s going to be more dramatic than it is, but when a consultant opposite you says you’ve got cancer, it’s the word, it’s the word cancer. It knocks you.”
However, once you get over the initial shock of diagnosis, Peter explains that the doctors came to him with a treatment plan, including options, pretty quickly.
“They want to go on and explain what the options are, and “mine were twofold, they could take it out, or they could give me radiotherapy.”
Peter also makes it clear that your diagnosis doesn’t necessarily need to change the way you live your life.
Proud to still be living a normal, healthy life, he says "But I think there might be people watching this who think I’ve had prostate cancer, it’s almost like everything has got to change now, I’ve got to take it easy and maybe I’ll retire, I think the message is it hasn’t."
However, it’s not just the practicalities of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and going through treatment discussed in this candid chat.
The trio also cover some more taboo topics, like incontinence, pain, how to or whether to tell your kids about your diagnosis, and much more.
Ray notes that it’s important to maintain a sense of humour, too, saying “We even joked about not being able to use your old chap anymore!”
Above all, the overwhelming take home from the The Sit Down is that it’s really important to talk about it with whomever, and in which ever way you feel most comfortable.
This film makes it clear that for these old friends, humour is the key, and no topic is off limits.
How can Prostate Cancer UK help?
Find out your own prostate cancer risk in the next 30 seconds, visit Prostate Cancer UK's website today.
You can also call them on 0800 074 8383 (Mon-Fri) to speak with a specialist nurse, or contact them on Live Chat via the website for a free and confidential service.
Follow them on Twitter @ProstateUK or Facebook/Instagram @ProstateCancer UK for more help and support.
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