Brian Nolan’s journey with prostate cancer began with a simple, common frustration that he initially dismissed as ‘probably just a dodgy bladder’. Like many men, he lived with these symptoms for a few months, trying to ignore the increasing frequency of his trips to the bathroom. Eventually, he decided it was time to stop making excuses and visit his GP.

While he wasn’t even thinking about prostate cancer at the time, his doctor’s proactive approach and the surgery’s efficient protocol meant he was quickly booked in for a series of tests as a precaution and to cover all bases.

Over the following weeks, Brian underwent PSA blood tests, which showed raised levels, followed by an internal examination and an MRI scan. When these flagged areas of concern were identified, a biopsy confirmed the presence of prostate cancer.

Receiving the news was traumatic, particularly as Brian was simultaneously mourning the loss of his sister, Linda, to cancer. However, the immediate positivity of his medical team changed his outlook. His urologist looked him in the eye and told him, ‘We can treat this, we got it early, we can cure this.’

Because Brian acted when he did, the cancer was caught at an early, treatable stage while the tumour was still encapsulated. This allowed him to undergo a Robotically Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP). The efficiency of the care he received was extraordinary; he went from a February diagnosis to surgery in April, and remarkably, he was discharged the very next day.

“The NHS were extraordinary. Honestly, I can’t tell you how positive they were, the support they gave me at every stage throughout this whole process, and how easy they made it for me.”

Today, Brian is cancer-free and requires no further treatment. He has become an advocate for early testing, encouraging all men to get tested for prostate cancer. He has already encouraged four friends to get checked – all of whom subsequently tested positive but were caught early enough for treatment.

He wants other men to know that there is absolutely nothing to fear from the process. It is a simple blood test that takes five minutes, yet it has the power to save your life. By sharing his story, Brian hopes to replace hesitation with hope, encouraging others to be proactive and give themselves the same second chance at life that he has had.

“I’ll be the first to say it: men can be rubbish at going to the doctor’s, but you don’t have to wait for a crisis. There is really nothing to fear. With prostate cancer, it’s a simple blood test. It takes just five minutes out of your day, but it has the power to save your life. Be proactive, take control of your health, and give yourself the best chance possible. If you are worried about something or if you have noticed any changes in your body, visit your GP and get it checked. Check it – don’t chance it!”