A few years ago, my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I still remember the sinking feeling when we heard the words. It was scary. But here’s the part I’ll never forget: they found it early. Because it was picked up early, he was able to have treatment and today he’s living a healthy, full life.
I know he’s one of the lucky ones. He took charge of his own health and went for a health screening, where a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test was included with the blood tests. But luck wasn’t the whole story, early detection played a huge role in giving him the best chance.
That’s why I feel so strongly about the importance of screening. Yes, cancer is scary. Yes, nobody wants to face the possibility of being told they have it. But the truth is, burying your head in the sand won’t make it go away. All it does is take away options. By the time symptoms become obvious, treatment might be harder, or opportunities missed.
When my Dad was diagnosed, it was overwhelming. But I can honestly say it was better to know. Knowledge gave him choices. Medicine is incredible, more cancers than ever before are treatable, and survival rates are improving. But that only works if we take up the chance to be checked.
So, if you’re invited for screening, please go. If you’re unsure about your risk, talk to your GP. It could be one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have.
I’m grateful every day that my Dad’s cancer was caught when it was. That’s why I’ll always say: it’s better to know than to ignore it. Screening really can save lives.
Would you like to encourage others to take control of their health?
Join our Communities Against Cancer project and help raise awareness of the disease. Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes with cancer, so why not find out how you could receive up to £2500 to make an impact in your community.
