Retired detective helps raise awareness of prostate cancer

28 March 2023

Neil and his wife Louise.

A retired West Mercia Police detective who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 is now urging others to get tested, as he shares his experience to help raise awareness.

Neil Austin, a 58-year-old father of four and grandfather of six, is helping mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (March), and expressed his lifelong gratitude to the colleague who actively encouraged him to get tested, which led to an early diagnosis.

The former detective superintendent was told he had prostate cancer in July 2021, having experienced no symptoms.

“A colleague of mine had been diagnosed previously and he was very open about it, by way of raising awareness of prostate cancer and actively encouraging others who were over 50 to get tested too. Typically, like most men, I brushed it to one side and didn’t get tested - after all, I was showing no symptoms,” said Neil, who admits it was not until he bumped into the colleague again, that he finally visited his doctor for a PSA test.

The blood test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, which can help to detect prostate cancer.

Neil continued: “My PSA was slightly raised but it wasn’t concerning, however, over the next year, I proactively returned to the doctor on a couple of occasions and found my PSA reading was fluctuating. At my last appointment, I had a new doctor, who was concerned about my readings and referred me to a consultant.”

Following an internal examination - which showed Neil’s prostate to be smooth but slightly enlarged - he was sent for an MRI scan which showed areas of concern and led to a biopsy.

“I remember I was going on holiday at the time and didn’t want to worry, so I called the nurse for my results. She wouldn’t tell me over the phone but I could just tell from her voice that I had cancer,” Neil explained.

“Me and my wife went in to see her and she said, ‘you have prostate cancer’. I was devastated. All I remember is her saying the survival rate is more than 95 per cent in the UK, but after that, it’s all a bit blurry. I think as soon as the ‘c word’ is mentioned, you feel like your life is falling apart, you can’t help but think about the small percentage of people who don’t survive.

“The hardest thing was telling my children. Throughout this time my wife and children have been very supportive. I think sometimes, the partner or carer is forgotten about, but a diagnosis like this impacts them too.”

It was explained there were three options: a radical prostatectomy (surgery to remove the entire prostate gland), radiotherapy or robotics prostatectomy (less invasive surgery and removal of the prostate).

“I was advised that a radical prostatectomy was the best option for me, so I went with that,” said Neil, who explained that the wait to get seen by a consultant for the operation following diagnosis was extremely long, and he ‘just wanted the cancer out’.

“I knew I had cancer, and I just felt like it was inside of me and no one knew what it was doing. I just wanted it out. My fear was it would spread.”

Fortunately, at the same time, after a colleague mentioned to Neil that he could file a ‘critical illness claim’ through the Federation Group Insurance Scheme. He received £10,000, which was used to pay for private treatment.

“Some of the side effects of prostate cancer treatment are that you might be incontinent and may not get an erection anymore. Now, there was this one doctor, based in Solihull, who specialises in saving these functions. I felt I needed to go with him, for both my physical and mental health,” added Neil, who underwent surgery in February 2022.

While the operation was to remove the cancer, Neil experienced several serious complications during recovery, although he said those have almost all sorted themselves out now.

“Hopefully, all the cancer has been removed. My PSA is very low, which is really good, so I’m hopeful,” he said, adding: “My PSA levels are being monitored for the next couple of years.

“But having cancer does change you. I thought I was quite strong mentally but this has impacted me so much more than I ever thought it would have.

“I’m definitely not as confident as I was. It’s not just the physical impact cancer has, but the psychological effects too. I wouldn’t say I accept what’s happened yet, but I’m getting there.

“I don’t think people always consider the impact cancer has, post-treatment. OK, the operation has removed the cancer but the effects are long-term, especially mentally.”

At first, Neil said he felt ‘embarrassed’ by the diagnosis, admitting that he only opened up to his close family and friends.

“It was only when I retired, during my retirement speech, that I decided to tell my colleagues,” explained Neil, who retired in 2021, having spent 30 years in the Force.

“I realised I have a responsibility to speak out about my experience and help others. Because the bottom line is, if you choose to ignore it, you could be dead.

“I will be eternally grateful to the officer who encouraged me to get tested. I need to play my part now and speak up. And I hope by speaking up, I’ll encourage others to get tested too.

“Since diagnosis, it has amazed me how many men I know socially and through my time in the police have also been diagnosed with prostate cancer. One particular individual provided me with tremendous support and shared his experiences which enabled me to make better-informed decisions and know what to expect.

“I am pleased to say a number of friends and colleagues have had PSA tests since my diagnosis. Thankfully, most have been clear but at least two have since been diagnosed with early stages of prostate cancer and are undergoing treatment - neither had any symptoms.

“If you’re 45 and over, please be proactive and get tested, it’s as simple as that. That test could save your life.

“And remember, it’s good to talk - let’s continue to stop the stigma surrounding prostate cancer.”

Anyone who has a prostate is at risk of having prostate cancer, but the risk is higher for those over 50, as well as black men or those who have a family history of prostate cancer.

The following people have a prostate:

Men
Transgender women
Non-binary people who were assigned male at birth
Some intersex people.

Prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).

However, some of the symptoms of prostate cancer include: