October marked the launch of a new Be Clear On Cancer campaign, designed to raise awareness of prostate cancer which affects a quarter of black men in the UK.
Linda and Phil Kissi’s story:
Linda Kissi’s husband Phil was diagnosed with prostate cancer when they were engaged to be married. Phil had no idea what a prostate was until he watched a TV programme on prostate cancer, which turned out to be life changing.
His father died of cancer and both of his grandfathers had suffered from urine problems, which can be a key symptom of the disease. It was never discussed in his family but it was cause for concern for Phil.
Phil’s concern drove him to go and see his doctor. His doctor was very supportive and ran tests for prostate cancer on three occasions and the results came back clear.
He decided to go and see his doctor one more time to put his mind at ease. He had seen on Prostate Cancer UK’s website that prostate cancer could be hereditary and that you are two and half times more likely to get it if your father or brother has been diagnosed with it. He was referred for a biopsy. Three weeks after the biopsy he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer.
“I was scared by the diagnosis but I wanted to be there for him and support him through the process so I started doing some research into prostate cancer, “Linda said. “My mum is a nurse so she was really helpful and supportive.”
“Phil knew something might be wrong even though he had no obvious symptoms. He was right to go to the doctor and talk to him about his concerns and have more tests.”
Phil’s values have changed greatly; every moment of his life is precious. Just before his operation he made a pledge that if he survived he would dedicate his life to helping people facing the challenge of prostate cancer, supporting men and showing them there is life after diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Angie Le Mar, Comedienne, TV Presenter and campaign supporter said:
“1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer. That’s a shocking statistic. I know men in my family that have been affected by prostate cancer so this issue feels very real to me. We as women can play an important role of encouraging the men in our families to go and see their doctor. It could save our loved ones’ lives.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England said:
“The campaign seeks to encourage black men over the age of 45 to speak to their doctors about their personal risk, as early prostate cancer usually presents no obvious symptoms.”
If you are concerned about your husband, partner, dad, brother or granddad, encourage them to visit their doctor or speak to Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383. You can also contact a Specialist Nurse via the online live chat, instant messaging service: prostatecanceruk.org. The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
For more information on prostate cancer visit nhs.uk/prostate
