My Story

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men - 1 in 8 will be diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime.

The standard treatments for prostate cancer like robotic surgery and radiotherapy are very effective but they can also cause devastating side effects to urinary, sexual, and bowel function. The impact on quality of life can be huge.

In recent years we have developed a much better understanding of prostate cancer. We now know some men will have cancers that grow slowly. Treating these cancers with surgery or radiotherapy will probably not prolong the lives of these men, but they would still impart all of their detrimental side effects.

Less intensive, newer treatments like focal therapy could be used instead. These treat the tumour but cause fewer side effects and can better preserve quality of life. Unfortunately though, even in 2025, these newer treatments are not yet available across the UK. The result is that some men will only be offered radical surgery or radiotherapy when focal therapy could be a good alternative treatment.

Prost8 is a charity doing fantastic work in spreading awareness about the different treatment options available for men with prostate cancer irrespective of where they live. A large part of my career as a urologist has been managing men with prostate cancer and my PhD at Imperial College London is focused on improving focal therapy as a treatment. We work closely with Prost8 and share a common goal of improving the lives of men with prostate cancer. I would be delighted if you would consider donating to this amazing charity!