Marlow prostate cancer survivor advocates for early screening
It's as a report from Prostate Cancer Research highlights gaps in detection
A prostate cancer survivor from Marlow has become a vocal advocate for earlier screening and awareness, particularly for men at higher risk of developing the disease.
A new report by Prostate Cancer Research emphasises the need for a national screening programme targeting high-risk groups to reduce the death toll from prostate cancer, the second most deadly cancer among men.
Ramesh Gangotra, 75, was diagnosed in 2021 after being monitored for five years. Despite being symptom-free at the time, Ramesh’s diagnosis came after a sudden rise in his PSA levels, a key marker for prostate health.
He said: "If I hadn’t been monitored on a regular basis, I wouldn’t have known that I had cancer."
While he almost made a full recovery, he said that not all men have access to early screening, which can lead to more advanced cases and put lives at risk.
Under the current system in England, men must actively request testing, a process that Ramesh describes as inadequate.
An economic analysis in the report estimates that a national screening programme could save the UK up to £223 million by reducing treatment costs, easing the healthcare burden, and improving productivity through earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Ramesh said: "There are benefits because earlier you catch it, not only can you do something about it earlier, but then think about the costs later on of treatment.
"So you are saving money in the long run."
Prostate cancer cases are rising in the UK, with diagnoses increasing by 25% in the last year alone.
More than 12,000 men die annually from the disease, a statistic that Prostate Cancer Research argues could be reduced with improved screening for those in high-risk categories.
Ramesh’s journey with cancer was supported by his family, which he believes made a significant difference in his recovery.
He said: "Unless you can share your issues or problems, you can’t get any solution for it.
"My biggest support has been my family. I’m very open with my wife and I have three daughters, and all of them supported me.
"At least four or five people came forward. They had the same problem and they went and had some tests done, and at least three of them got confirmed with cancer."
The report recommends lowering the screening age and including high-risk groups in mandatory testing, a change Ramesh sees as essential for breaking down barriers to diagnosis and treatment, particularly in minority communities.
He hopes that with increased education and open dialogue, more men, especially those in Black and South Asian communities, will feel empowered to take control of their health.
In addition to focusing on high-risk groups, the report also calls for a broader universal screening program for men aged 50 to 69, incorporating new testing technologies and AI-powered diagnostic tools.
This approach could potentially yield thousands of additional early-stage diagnoses annually, enhancing survival rates and quality of life.
The Prostate Cancer Research report will be presented to Parliament today (November 16), advocating for a national screening initiative for those at higher risk, namely black men, men with BRCA1/2 gene mutations, and those with a family history of prostate cancer.