John Haslam was diagnosed two years ago, and has since openly discussed his diagnosis and treatment with colleagues and friends
A Naas man has said he's not ashamed of his diagnosis of prostate cancer, and has raised awareness amongst colleagues and friends of regular check-ups.
John Haslam was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago at the age of 54, following a regular check-up with his GP.
Haslam's father and brother had been diagnosed with prostate cancer years before, so he understood the importance of check-ups and approached the routine exam practically.
His GP raised concerns after his exam, and sent Haslam to St. James's Hospital.
After blood tests and a biopsy, Haslam was called back in three weeks later, and was told he had cancer.
"Everything else went over my head. I just went blank", said Haslam to the Irish Independent.
Following his diagnosis, Haslam's wife attended the meetings with him which discussed what options of treatment he had.
Treatment options for Haslam were narrowed down to chemotherapy or surgery, in which the pros and cons of each were discussed with his medical team.
Haslam ultimately opted for surgery, being told he was "an ideal candidate" thanks to him being otherwise healthy and fit, as well as an MRI showing his cancer was confined to the prostate gland making surgery an even more viable option.
"I wanted the surgery because I knew if they go in and take it all out, I'm clear. That's the way I looked at it".
A robotic keyhole surgery would be done on Haslam, which would be operating quite close to the nerves, and there was a possibility that a degree of erectile dysfunction (ED) would occur post-surgery.
"“I’m going down the surgery route. I don’t care what happens after that, I’m going to be cancer-free.
"I said that I didn’t care if I don’t get an erection. I want to be alive".
Haslam had his surgery on September 7th, and took approximately two-and-a-half hours.
Post-surgery, Haslam did experience ED and urinary leakage, but was prescribed medication and used incontinence pads.
"I don’t let things like that bother me. I’m very open about things, I talk to all the lads at work, I say it’s not a big issue".
Haslam's openness of his cancer diagnosis and treatment has raised awareness of the importance of regular check-ups, as well as normalising it.
He also showed to his colleagues and friends that an active and full life are possible after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“I’m very open about my cancer journey. I have no problem talking to anybody about it. Locking yourself away is not going to solve anything; depression, everything, sets in, you have to talk, it’s the only way. Talking about it makes me feel better".
Since his surgery, Haslam's PSA levels have remained undetectable, compared to a "five-point-something" when he received his initial cancer diagnosis, and is now "in great health, happy out, living life".
Information on prostate cancer can be found here:
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