Suzanne and Jeremy Reed.
Camera IconSuzanne and Jeremy Reed. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Surgery the saviour: Applecross prostate cancer survivor

Emma ClaytonMelville Gazette

Jeremy Reed, from Applecross, discovered late last year, through a routine blood test, that he probably had prostate cancer and further investigation confirmed this was the case.

In June this year, Jeremy underwent surgery to have his prostate removed and no longer fears the cancer progressing, but the treatment was not without side effects.

Any impact felt by Mr Reed and his wife Suzanne was minimised because the cancer was diagnosed early and he quickly armed himself with enough information to make a decision about his treatment.

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After a routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, recommended for all men over 50, Mr Reed was found to have a higher than normal result. Because he had been having regular PSA tests for years, his doctor could see a clear upward trend.

Further testing, including an MRI and a biopsy, confirmed prostate cancer and Mr Reed was given a range of options, from ‘watch and wait’ to a radical prostatectomy, the latter being his choice.

He said, as it was extremely unlikely the cancer would go away on its own, he chose to have his prostate removed and therefore eliminate the risk of the cancer spreading into other parts of his body.

Three months after the surgery, Mr Reed is back playing tennis and itching to get back on to the golf course, the only obstacle being finding enough spare time.

Mr Reed was quick to point out that his choice of treatment was what he believed to be right for him, but many treatment options were available and people chose different paths for their own reasons and based on their own case.

The surgery is not without risks and most men will have some incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which may be long or short term.