John, United Kingdom

I had my first confirmed prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024 after an mpMRI and biopsy.

2024 was meant to be a celebration year — the year Linda and I celebrate 50 years of married life — to relive memories and make many more. Lots was planned: a cruise in June around the special day, and Malta later in the year.

I wanted our year to continue as planned and chose to watch and wait, as my cancer (Gleason 7, 3+4) was deemed slow-growing and manageable.

The greatest pressures I faced were from family members trying to persuade me to “just have it out”. But I did not want to mark the whole year with cancer and the management of treatment side effects, as I had no symptoms and felt great.

We had a fabulous year in 2024 and enjoyed great times together.

We knew that we would have to make decisions when things changed — and they did. One year later (still with no symptoms), scans showed the cancer on the move and heading out of the prostate.

I decided on a combination of hormone therapy and radiotherapy. So far, the treatment has worked: PSA undetectable, life continues.

My advice: learn about your cancer, understand the treatment options, and take control.