Profile: Willie Penrose's prostate cancer story
In 2010, my GP did a blood test which found that my Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels were high. This can sometime indicate that cancer of the prostate is present so I was sent for a biopsy in St James’s Hospital and afterwards received the good news that all was well. A year later, I took another blood test at my GP’s surgery and my PSA levels were raised again. I underwent another biopsy and this time I was told I had prostate cancer.
I met with my doctor and together we discussed all the treatment options and how we would tackle the cancer. I then went home and discussed all the options with my wife. I decided to meet with a number of people who had prostate cancer who discussed the various pros and cons of their treatment with me. After a chat with a friend who had brachytherapy, I decided this was the treatment for me. Brachytherapy, also known as internal radiotherapy, involves injecting pellets directly into the affected area and is suitable for localised prostate cancer. It is quick and targeted and it meant I didn’t have to have long stays in hospital.
The treatment schedule didn’t cause me too much disruption which, as I was Minister for State at the time, was a good thing. I felt a bit tired after treatment but it didn’t cause me huge inconvenience. After treatment finished, I decided to lose some weight as this can help reduce the risk of cancer and the reoccurrence of it.
Following my diagnosis, a lot of men called me who were reluctant to engage about their health. I told them about the simple blood test which is worth it as early diagnosis is key to having a better outcome. Prostate cancer is curable once you take it on at an early stage. I am urging all men to have regular checkups and listen to the advice of your GP.
