I am a 62 year old active person who has a good friend who is living with prostate cancer. I have been fortunate enough to have had several prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, which have been organized by the Worcestershire Ambassadors (thanks Vince Hopkins!) PSA tests are a quick and easy blood test, so nothing too invasive! Everything had been fine up until March 2023…

In March my results came back as “amber”, with a score of 4.2, which, when compared to my mate’s result of 266, seemed low. The letter advised me to contact my GP to get a follow up PSA test. Initially, the doctors were reluctant to carry out the repeat test as I was until I explained about the amber reading that I had received. This is where the NHS kicked in with unbelievable service.

I had a test carried out at the GP practice on a Monday and was told no news would be good news. However, I received a text message to say there was nothing to worry about, but I should contact them that day to arrange another PSA test, which I had on the following Monday due to scheduling clashes.

On the Tuesday morning I received a phone call from Doctor Brodie, who informed me that my readings were decreasing: 4.2 –> 3.8 -> 3.2 but I was still above their threshold of 3.0. The thresholds differ based on your age. I then visited Dr Brodie who gave me an examination, where he felt something that he was unhappy with. I was then fast tracked to the Urology department at Redditch Hospital under the NHS 2 week wait pathway. Amazingly, I received an appointment at the hospital 3 days after the referral was sent. This was only possible due to Dr Brodie’s efficiency and outstanding care.

The nurse I saw said that normally with my low scores they would recommend me being monitored, but due to the fact my doctor had sent such a thorough report she suggested that they would examine me, too. The nurse felt what the doctor had found, but said that as it was not nodular, it would be unlikely to be cancerous She booked me in for an MRI scan just to be safe. Shortly after I was booked in for an MRI at Kidderminster hospital – 1 month after the original PSA test. The test results took 5 days to come back, with 2 bank holidays and a weekend in the middle – fantastic turnaround time.

This is where the NHS finally diagnosed after 62 years, something that anyone who knows me can easily notice... I was full of wind! This meant that they could not see the prostate clearly, but all areas around the prostate were clear.

A biopsy was then offered as a precautionary measure, but it was mentioned that I did not require this based on all test results and my lack of symptoms. For my own peace of mind, I thought it was wise to go ahead with the biopsy even though I was assured that they would monitor me closely with or without the biopsy. The medical team, my family and I all felt that the results would be fine. I had the procedure and then waited for the appointment to discuss the results, which took place on a Sunday. So, in less than four months I had gone from an amber PSA test to a diagnosis. I really cannot fault the NHS.

I will never forget the words of the consultant ☹. He was intrigued as to how I had managed to get to the biopsy stage, so I informed him of the timeline, to which he replied: “well it’s probably a good job that you have had the biopsy”.

He then informed me that I have low-grade, high-density prostate cancer. Fortunately, I have been diagnosed very early and I am now being monitored regularly.

This is why I, along with my three sons, will be partaking in the Big Golf Race for Prostate Cancer. We are going to play 36 holes at Kidderminster Golf Club on Friday 13th October. Sorry, I know it’s only the half marathon, but at my age it will be a challenge anyway!

With this in mind, I will be looking for sponsorship to raise as much money as I can to help fund more research for prostate cancer and to raise awareness. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men in the UK so please take note of my story.

My just giving page is “Garfs on tour” and all donations will be gratefully received. For any of you reading who are of a similar age to me - please get tested even if you have no symptoms like me! It’s the best £25.00 I have ever spent.