Councillor talks about prostate cancer scare

After a scare with prostate cancer, Charles Sturt is encouraging men to have a simple blood test - it could also save a life.

The 56-year-old Rotorua District Councillor said his cancer only had a good prognosis because it was picked up early and had it not been for a swollen leg he might not know today he had cancer.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Mr Sturt underwent surgery to remove the prostate which doctors told him was 30 per cent cancerous.

The cancer had only been picked up because one of the hospital doctors decided to do a full blood test when he was seen for a blood clot in his leg, he said.

Mr Sturt said he was determined to continue working for the community and his family.

"I wanted to fight for my family ... Now I know I can continue to be here for them and carry on helping the community," he said.

Thinking it won't happen to you was burying your head in the sand, he said.

He hopes his story will encourage other men to head along to the doctor for a blood test to determine if they have prostate cancer.

They might not have any symptoms but the cancer could be there, Mr Sturt said.

"I couldn't believe it ... I'd had no signs anything was wrong. "I thought I was bulletproof and a lot of us think like that.

"We have to do this for our families. Don't be macho.

"All it takes is a simple blood test. Take your pride in your hands."