A grandad who thought jetlag and his diabetes playing up was the cause of him feeling 'off' was diagnosed with prostate cancer, despite not showing any signs or symptoms. Ray Pownall is now urging other people to get regular checks with their GP.
Roy made an appointment with his doctors some weeks back, and the GP confirmed that his diabetes had spiked. He has some routine tests done on his sugar levels, which found his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels were high.
He was sent for further testing, and three days later was told he had Stage Three prostate cancer, which had spread to his bladder. Ray and his wife Pat were in Canada when they found out, and had to come back home so he could start treatment.
Speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, the 78-year-old said: "It was a complete shock. I didn’t have a clue. I’m reasonably fit for my age and I thought it could be a mix of jet lag and my diabetes playing up. I landed back in the UK and on January 6 came to see the consultant who said it is worse than they thought and it had spread."
"I didn’t have any worrying symptoms so it came as a complete shock. I’ve only recently found my family in the last few years and my wife contacted my sister in America and we found out three out of my four brothers had prostate problems and my dad did. I’ve had to tell my sons here in England to get checked and they both are."
Ray is sharing his story in a bid to encourage others to get a prostate exam. He added: "I knew something felt off but I couldn’t put my finger on it. It’s a silent killer, something that grows and you don’t know it’s there.
"All men over 50 need to get tested but if you have signs or symptoms you can get checked out earlier. Don’t put it off, it’s a simple test, a little embarrassing but important. If you leave it too late it spreads it gets all of you.
"The second I open my eyes in the morning it’s there, the word cancer comes in my head and it’s the last thing I think of before I sleep. It's with you 24/7. It will never leave but you’ve got to keep trying your best."
Ray and Pat are also hoping to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. Having already raised over £800, anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
Ray's wife Pat has been posting updates on her social media to inform loved ones and further raise awareness. Writing about the cancer diagnosis, she said: "While it has been a great Christmas and New Year, this shockingly sad news has hit hard.
"Ray is well know in the community, born in Whiston and spent his entire 78 years in and around St Helens working as a paramedic for 40 of them and now an avid wild life photographer. It will be very sad news for many of you, your encouragement and well wishes will go a long way to supporting him through his battle."
