I was one of 4 brothers of African Caribbean origin (all 4 of us have had prostate cancer), then in July 2021 my eldest brother died of it. In late 2023, I was contacted by his son’s (my nephew) partner to say she was concerned about symptoms he was having.
She asked me to have a word with him because she was having difficulty getting through to him. I spoke with him on the phone and convinced him to book an appointment with his GP and to request a PSA blood test.
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At the age of 51, I decided to go for a wellman test and requested my GP include a PSA. The test revealed that my PSA was quite raised for my age. After a series of tests, it was agreed that I return for annual testing. After four years, and my PSA continuing to rise, the consultant advised me that I had prostate cancer and would need to have it treated. During the four years I formed the Brothers Reaching Out to/for Support (BROS), with the help of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, where I was a board member.
My name is Michael Lewis from Dudley. In 2019, a close friend from church was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. Sadly, he passed away within months. His story saved my life – it pushed me to visit my GP for a PSA blood test.
I had no symptoms, but my test revealed prostate cancer at an early stage. Six years later, after regular monitoring, I underwent surgery in October 2024 following rising PSA results. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread, and I am now recovering well.