Cancer survivor highlights options

Roger Whiting says men don't need to see a prostate cancer diagnosis as a death sentence, as it was often slow growing and manageable. PHOTO/STUART

Roger Whiting was diagnosed with prostate cancer and didn't get treatment for five years.

"I've probably been a little bit different in my approach," the 66-year-old said.

"I was determined from the outset when I was diagnosed that I was going to, at all costs, preserve quality of life. I didn't want to have treatment unless I had to."

Mr Whiting, who shared his story to promote Blue September, was having regular checks in the years leading up to his diagnosis in 2009, and caught the cancer early. He researched and discussed his decision not to have treatment with medical professionals.

Impotence, a side effect of treatment, was "a major issue for any red-blooded guy", he said.

"I defy anyone in the prime of their life who wants to lose that facility. Surgery definitely takes away the gland and the seminal side of things. You lose something you're never going to get back again."

The other two main issues arising from treatment were incontinence and bowel problems, he said.

"They're the big three. It's almost an automatic 'it's going to happen' situation.

"I think it's very, very important that guys are aware. They are big issues and, I think, emotional issues too."

Mr Whiting, with the support of his GP, went on something called active surveillance, where he had regular blood tests and a number of biopsies, MRIs and CT scans to keep an eye on any dangerous changes.

When he was diagnosed he was told he could probably live for another 10 years without treatment, as the cancer was slow growing.

"If you do nothing you may live for 10 years, but at the end of the 10-year period you're going to die a miserable death," he said. "You take a big risk in not doing anything."

Diagnosed at the age of 61, Mr Whiting, who describes himself as a "strong Christian", decided another 10 years was enough for him.

"If I live three score and 10 I'll be happy. I decided that's not unreasonable. That was my feeling about my life."

So "with the blessing of medical people, of course", Mr Whiting was monitored for the next several years, until a change in his results forced his hand.

He had his prostate gland removed in November last year.

He likened the process to "losing your manliness" and has struggled emotionally since his surgery.

"I've had some issues with it, issues to the extent that I actually had some appointments with a psychologist. I've been on anti-depressants."

Mr Whiting wanted men to know there were options other than surgery and radiation, though they came with a risk.

"I took a risk by not having early treatment," he said. "If the cancer recurs down the track, is it because I haven't done the thing early enough?"

He expected the biggest thing holding men back from getting checked was fear of discovering they did, in fact, have cancer.

"They would see it as a death sentence," he said.

"The word 'cancer' means to a lot of people: you are going to die."

He also thought there needed to be a more definitive screening process so a national screening programme could be set up.

Mr Whiting wanted to offer support to any men who had been diagnosed, and said people were welcome to get in touch with him if they would like to discuss prostate cancer.

"I'm happy to talk to any guys who really want a bit of encouragement or whatever in how they handle a prostate cancer diagnosis."

Anyone wanting to speak to Mr Whiting could call the Wanganui Cancer Society on 06 348 7402 and ask for supportive care, and he or she will be put in touch with him.