HALIFAX – A Windsor, N.S. man is speaking out about prostate cancer, saying men should not be frightened or shy about the disease.
David Lothian, 50, has a family history of prostate cancer: his father passed away from the disease when he was 51 years old.
Prostate Cancer Canada says prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men, with one in eight men developing the disease during his lifetime. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
His father’s death kept prostate cancer at the forefront of Lothian’s mind and he would consistently go for blood tests.
Last year, Lothian did not present with any symptoms but got word that he had an unusual blood test.
Lothian said he was shocked to hear the news, despite knowing he was at greater risk since his father had prostate cancer.
“The cancer word is said to you and you tune out the specialist. You just think, ‘Oh my gosh, I have cancer’,” he said.
“It was very frightening,” said his wife Tara.
“You just didn’t know what was going to happen. But I also really believed we caught it early. I thought if we found the right surgeon and we went through the proper channels, I really did believe he would be okay.”
However, Lothian’s prostate cancer was only stage one and he quickly booked an operation. He is now healthy and back at work.
He credits early detection with saving his life.
Lothian is sharing his story in hopes people become more open to discussing prostate cancer.
“It’s not something you should be embarrassed about. I’ve spoken to some people that I knew had it and they weren’t really willing to share their experience with me just through sheer embarrassment.”
His wife Tara describes prostate cancer as a couple’s disease and adds honest and open communication is important for couples.
“I think men just need to talk about it.”
“If they catch it early, they will be able to urinate. They will be able to use their bowel. There will be no diaper and there could be a great sexual life for them,” she said.
He also wants men to know that they are not any less masculine if they do get the disease.
“You’re still as manly as you were before.”
Prostate Cancer Canada recommends annual blood tests between the ages of 40 and 70. However, it suggests speaking with a health professional if you are at high risk for the disease.
There is a higher risk of prostate cancer for men who are older, are of black African or black Caribbean descent or who have a family history of the disease.
The organization said 719 Nova Scotian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013.
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