’Detecting prostate cancer early saved my life’: James’s prostate cancer story

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among men in the UK, with one in eight men getting the disease in their lifetime.

But despite this, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, as there is with other cancers, such as breast and bowel. 

Similarly, prostate cancer tends to only become symptomatic when the cancer has grown large enough, meaning screening is vital in order to detect it early. 

Currently, a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (known as PSA) remains the most common means of diagnosing it.

However, because this type of cancer can often take a long time to develop with no immediate symptoms, it can be hard to detect through blood tests alone.

This is where the story begins for 62-year-old Vitality member James, who was experiencing any of the warning signs of prostate cancer. 

Early detection

Following a Bluecrest Health Assessment, which James underwent after taking out a health insurance plan with Vitality, he was found to have a high PSA reading.

Upon receiving the results, he was advised to book a Vitality GP appointment to discuss the next steps. 

Sadly, after further investigation, a biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer.

But James was lucky, because his tests had picked up his prostate cancer diagnosis so early, the outlook was positive for him. 

Findings show that if prostate cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is higher than 99%.

To support early detection of cancer, Vitality members with a qualifying health insurance plan can access a cancer risk assessment through our partner Check4Cancer, which can identify if you are at higher risk of five common cancers – bowel, breast, cervical, prostate and skin cancers.

From screening to diagnosis

After being given several treatment options, including surgery or radiotherapy through the NHS, James was able to call upon Vitality’s specialist cancer team to guide him through the options.

“Vitality also sent me a package in the post with a blanket. That brought me to tears. I just felt I wasn’t alone”

Vitality member, James

Guided by a specialist cancer nurse along the way, James was able to make a more informed decision about his treatment, which on this occasion was provided by the NHS with extra support from Vitality.

The cancer nurse from Vitality, who’s main area of interest was prostate cancer, was tremendous,” says James. 

“I was able to see the consultant and ask relevant questions. I didn’t have to turn to ‘Dr Google’, and I felt a lot more in control.”

Navigating through treatment

It was not only early detection, access to a GP and appropriate treatment guidance that James received through his health insurance, he was also advised on changes to his lifestyle and movement throughout treatment and beyond, thanks to Vitality’s Cancer Support Programme powered by Alvie.

“I didn’t see [screening] as important, now I see it as vital”

Vitality member, James

“The cancer support team spoke to me about things like nutrition to help with recovery, or the side effects of treatment, so I knew what was coming. The fear was taken away,” he reflects.

“[Vitality] also sent me a package in the post with a blanket and a few other things. That brought me to tears. I just felt I wasn’t alone on this journey.”

The road to recovery

James’s treatment has now finished and he is back at work and moving on with his life after prostate cancer. 

“I’m in a good place now, mentally and physically and much improved. Vitality offered me a couple of days at a health resort (Champneys), which I might take up.”

James’s hope is that through sharing his story, more people will get themselves checked, not just for prostate cancer, but to build a picture of their overall health more generally.

“That screening ultimately could have saved my life, because I wouldn’t have gone for that screening were it not for my health insurance.

“I didn’t see it as important. Now I see it as vital.”

See how Vitality has helped more people through a cancer diagnosis, like our member Nicky. 

Prostate cancer symptoms

If you or anyone you know is experiencing the below symptoms, it does not mean that you have prostate cancer, but it does mean that you should be tested for it. 

The NHS describes the below symptoms of prostate cancer: 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your GP, or Vitality members can book a Vitality GP appointment through their health insurance plan. 

When to get tested

Risk factors for prostate cancer increase as you get older. The most common age to be diagnosed is between 70 and 74 years’ old. 

However, that does not mean you should not be tested well before then. Most cases of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is over the age of 50. 

Meanwhile, Vitality data shows that prostate is among one of the most common cancers affecting men over the age of 60. [1]

Similarly, if people in your family have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it could increase your risk of getting the disease too. 

Prostate cancer treatments 

Like in James’s case, there are varying options when it comes to treatment for prostate cancer; it all depends on your individual circumstances. 

Individual factors, such as, how big the cancer is, whether it has spread to anywhere else and your overall health all play a role in the type of treatment that you will be advised on. 

Your team of experts will be able to advise you best on your case. Broadly, however, treatment can vary from removal of your prostate through surgery to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. 

How to prevent prostate cancer

Recent findings from Macmillan show that cancer cases are due to rise over the next decade.

So, it’s never been more important to be aware of how to prevent a cancer diagnosis, and one of the ways that can help is by leading a healthy lifestyle. 

Specifically, being overweight can increase your risk of prostate cancer, so eating healthily and staying active are essential in helping to stay cancer-free. 

Read more about the ways to reduce your risk of cancer by clicking here: 8 ways to take control of your health| Magazine | Vitality

[1] Vitality Health Claims & Insights Report, 2024

If you want to know more about health checks for men, read our guide on Key Health Checks and Tests and see how you can make changes to your health today.

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