My Experiences with Prostate Cancer by Steven Spurrier

I don’t know if Prostate Cancer, or any cancer for that matter, is genetic, but it seems to be so in my family. Both my grandfather (in his 70s) and my father (in his 50s) had the operation, as I did in my early 60s. Several friends of mine, including Clive Coates MW, the well-known wine writer, seemed to be going through examinations and tests around the same time. Clive had his operation the same month as me (in December, his surgeon being appropriately named Mr Christmas), while one of my contemporaries from school opted for “watchful waiting”. Very sadly, he died from cancer of the prostate last year.

I certainly did not expect to be diagnosed with cancer of the prostate, despite the family history. One never does for this kind of thing happens to other people. It was only after a check-up for cholesterol – happy my levels are kept restrained by copious quantities of red wine – that my GP told me that my PSA was rising. Not dangerous by any means, but rising. A series of tests revealed that I actually was affected by cancer, not badly at all, really just a speck, but something to pay attention to. Finally, after three different consultations across the country, I opted for the operation to be undertaken by a specialist surgeon in this field at the Harley Street Clinic.

For some weeks prior to the operation, I received much information on prostate cancer in general and the possible after-effects of the operation, one of which was the potential loss of sexual potency. Without going into details, my strong conclusion, even during the months following the operation and particularly recently with the loss of my old friend from school, was that the operation was the sensible, actually the only possible choice. But to make the choice, I needed information, and this could only be provided by research. That is why the research centres such as Everyman are of such vital importance.

Everyman is Europe’s only dedicated male cancer research centre and one of the most successful cancer research organisations in Europe. Here are a few facts on the Everyman Campaign Charity.

• Prostate cancer kills one man an hour in the UK with 35,000 men diagnosed each year.
• Prostate cancer has overtaken lung cancer to become the most common cancer in men.
• Testicular cancer affects men between the ages of 15 and 44, but is now 99% curable if caught early enough.
• Since 1975 the incidence of testicular cancer has more than doubled, the reasons for this not yet being known, hence the need for continuing research.

By supporting the Everyman Campaign Charity you will be doing good in a very positive manner. By attending this evening organised by Christelle Guibert from Decanter Magazine and Rebecca Fraser from Louis Latour Agencies, you will be assured of a marvellously memorable evening. What better reasons could you wish for?