I thought, 'how long have I got?'

Peadar McNamara is using his experience of prostate cancer to urge men to get over their reluctance to be tested for the condition

THREE YEARS ago, Clare man Peadar McNamara picked up what he felt was a routine bug during a weekend trip to Brussels. On his return he decided to go for a series of tests. He was 62 years old and other than the bug, he felt in good health.

“I went to the Bons Secours Hospital in Galway and every possible test was done,” he says, “They eventually detected I had prostate cancer. The bug was not the cause of the prostate cancer. It was just a normal illness that led to the tests being done. I should be thankful for the lack of sanitation in Brussels, as they may not have spotted it otherwise.

“When I heard it first, the initial thing I thought of, given the nature of cancer, was, ‘how long have I got?’ The consultant told me bluntly, ‘We can get five years for you.’ The toughest part was the shock of being told that a death sentence was hanging over my head. I then started radiation treatment and reading everything I could about the illness.”

Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in Irish men after non-melanoma skin cancer. In 2008, some 2,579 men in Ireland were diagnosed with the illness, and the lifetime risk for men developing the disease was one in nine. Many males find prostate difficult to discuss and equally difficult to present for examination, given that it can involve a rectum exam.

Awareness of the illness, especially in men over 50, is not as high as it should be, and early warning signs and preventative measures can be missed. For those who are diagnosed with the illness, it can also be difficult to discuss it with contemporaries or to get information.

McNamara says the key for him was having an understanding and patient local GP who provided him with relevant literature. “My local GP in Clare, Dr Rory O’Keeffe, gave me a book called Dr Patrick Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. He also put me in touch with others in the neighbourhood who had the illness and introduced me to one man who was prepared to meet me. That was a great help. The book also taught me to get three different opinions, which I did, and gave a great breakdown to understanding the condition.”

Prior to his diagnosis, McNamara would have received regular medical check-ups, but like many men his age never opted for a prostate examination. Since his diagnosis, he has had radiation treatment and so far it seems to have kept the illness at bay.

“I think that people found the anal examination invasive. There’s no need to feel like that once you are on good terms with a GP. I went through a course of radiation treatment afterwards. One of the aspects of radiation that is not made clear is the wave of tiredness after it. I nearly fell asleep coming home after the first treatment.

“My wife, who is an acupuncturist, gave me a Chinese anti-radiation sickness medicine that countered my illness. In terms of lifestyle, I had retired as an art teacher and I was also into folk singing and I would lower the odd pint. I didn’t really change my life a whole lot. I think, fingers crossed, the treatment has been successful.”

Since his treatment for prostate, McNamara decided to speak on local radio and relay some of his experiences. He has been critical of the lack of specialist staff throughout the country to deal with the condition.

Three years on from his diagnosis, McNamara is testament that life can resume after prostate treatment. It takes a positive outlook and a determination to avail of the right treatments. He says that men must learn to get over their reluctance to be tested for the condition.

“I know from talking to people that they find the tests invasive. But you have got to suppress that squeamishness. I mean there are all kinds of undignified medical procedures that people don’t object to. I had a hip joint done a few years ago and when it’s being done your leg is half off! Now you can either contemplate it or pass it off as an enormous tooth extraction essential for your wellbeing. I tend to choose the latter.”

For more information call the National Cancer Helpline at 1800-200700

Prostate cancer: What to look for

Passing urine more frequently, often recognised when nights are interrupted by frequent toilet visits.

A sense of urgency to pass urine.

A discomfort passing urine.

A poor stream on urinating.

A sensation of not having emptied the bladder after urinating.

Difficulty starting and stopping urination.