A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff member diagnosed with cancer has spoken about his experience to encourage more people to be aware of the condition, know the risks and seek help early if they have concerns.
Iain Sullivan, 48, of Kirkliston who works out of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station as a Technician, received the news earlier this year he had prostate cancer.
Speaking of his journey, Iain, who is ex-military with 25 years full colour service and been with SAS for three years, said: “My father was his early 60s with prostate cancer. At the time, I was only 40, so it was deemed not necessary to get checked by NHS due to young age. After going through this, it is really important for me to raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about any worries they may have and seek medical advice.”
Iain said last December his dad was advised his cancer had spread which led his dad to ask Iain in February this year to get tested due to the increased risk. The tests were simple and painless consisting of a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker in the blood, a digital rectal examination and a MRI scan. Following these tests, Iain was advised that he had tested positive for prostate cancer.
Iain said he wasn’t surprised by the news and added: “I had a feeling I was going to be positive – luckily my brother was clear.”
During the first months since the diagnosis, Iain said his “head has been all over the place”, but has since revealed his current position is Stage 1 of 4 which is the lower end of the spectrum, and at present hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.
Speaking of the support he has received he said his work colleagues have been “fantastic and supportive”.
Iain, who is currently off work, added: “My Crewmate Lewis has been checking up on me, along with the rest of the gang, and also my other friends and staff within the Edinburgh area have been supportive to me even through their own times of difficulties.
“They all work tirelessly and still have the kindness to look after each other. My partner Julie, who is also Ambulance technician, has shown amazing support and so has my son Brad, and other family members or course.”
Iain said he would urge people in his age bracket – and younger – to understand the risks, talk about them with friends and colleagues and seek help if they have concerns. It is important to understand that prostate cancer is the most prominent cancer in men.
He added: “It seems to be radio silence for men. I am surprised at the limited awareness of prostate cancer which is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 diagnosed every year.
People need to ask questions, seek advice and get help if you are worried. If nothing else, it’s worth the peace of mind and I will feel better for knowing you read this, are worried and then go to your GP”.
For more information, visit NHS inform or Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK who have a simple online risk checker that anyone can access to understand their risk in 30 seconds.
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