Thanks to the diligence of my doctor (thank you DC) and the skill of my consultant (thank you NV) the problem was identified early enough whilst it was still in the prostate. The prostate was removed in November and I am now cancer free.

The reason for going public on this is to try to make sure that fellow male members of the club are aware of the measures to take to ensure that this disease is caught early enough. The problem is that there are virtually no symptoms other than getting up more often at night for a pee, which we all put down as a natural consequence of getting older.

Without my PSA test this story could have had a very different ending. I have already nagged many of you, but any male member of the club who is 50 (or looks as if he is 50 – you know who you are!!) can expect to be nagged – “GET YOUR PSA TESTED!”

The PSA test is a simple blood test, but you will have to ask your GP for it. Unlike breast and cervical cancer, there is no automatic screening for prostate cancer. Many GPs will tell you that the PSA is not a reliable indicator and may try to fob you off. Please make sure that you insist on having the test. The PSA is not a reliable indicator, but at least it is AN indicator that further investigation including MRIs or biopsies may be necessary.

Please do the right thing. We are no use to our families if we are not around.

Best wishes
Mark Elliott
President – Welwyn RFC