A Scots dad-of-two says “I am trying to enjoy as much time as I have” after being diagnosed with cancer.
Family encouraged Adam Clark, 52, to see a doctor after he experienced an intense urge to visit the toilet regularly. “I couldn’t go any longer than an hour without needing to go to the toilet.”
The Cambuslang dad “passed it off” to drinking loads of water, but he later decided to see medics who diagnosed him with prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men in the UK – last April, reports Glasgow Live.
Adam said: “I started a new job and there was a nervousness about not being present. I was in a meeting and felt I couldn’t leave, feeling embarrassed and sitting in pain.
“Blood test results came back within a week and the doctor phoned me saying my PSA was elevated. He called me in for a physical exam and could feel something, saying my prostate didn’t feel smooth.”
He was referred to a consultant at the New Victoria Hospital who booked him in for an MRI and biopsy which confirmed the devastating news.
However, being told his cancer was at stage two and non-aggressive felt like “winning the lottery” and Adam said he felt “pure relief” as it means he doesn’t need intense treatment at this stage.
Adam is now on medication to help with swelling and to control his urge to go to the toilet. He was also placed in active surveillance which means he will get his bloods checked every three months to track any changes in his cancer.
He added: “Waiting for the biopsy results was the hardest part. During that, you read up on it and think of the worst case scenario and best case scenario. I had resolved myself to the fact I would have to get some sort of treatment.
“After each blood test, I do feel nervous. It will never go away but can live dormant for 20 years.
“It would take me to my 70s and if it gets aggressive I have other treatment options. I’m trying to enjoy as much time as I have got, life is too short.”
One in eight men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime but early detection can “save lives”. Adam is urging men who notice changes in their body to see a doctor and get the help they need.
He continued: “Guys are very reluctant to go to the doctors and talk about personal stuff. If you are experiencing any changes in your body, go and get it checked.
“There’s a stigma with men getting checked but you’ve got to put that aside, it’s in your best interests to get checked.”
Movember has invested over £2.9 million to prostate cancer which will see eighteen global grants awarded to “tackle inequities” in prostate cancer care.
In the UK the charity is partnering with PCUK and investing £1.2 million in five grants. One recipient, Tackle Prostate Cancer, will have national reach aiding recently diagnosed prostate cancer patients from deprived areas by creating a peer coaching/navigation program to support them with their treatment, care decisions and strengthen their health literacy.
Karen Robb, Director, Program Implementation for Cancer UK and Ireland said: “A huge thank you to Adam for sharing his story. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men, with one in eight men receiving a diagnosis in their lifetime.
“Early detection saves lives, so it’s crucial to have a conversation with your doctor about your risk of prostate cancer and have a PSA test, which we suggest having from age 50, and from age 45 if you’re black or have a family history.
“Movember is working towards a future where more men are empowered throughout their whole cancer journey. We encourage everyone to take part in the NHS Change survey to help the government address the biggest health problems affecting men.”
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