Surgeon says ‘get tested’ after catching 100 cases of silent killer

A doctor who caught more than 100 prostate cancer cases after launching community clinics is urging men not to miss the ‘silent killer’. Dr Jyoti Shah, a Macmillan urological surgery consultant in the NHS, became concerned after seeing an increase in the number of men not being diagnosed with the disease.

With no clear symptoms to begin with and male patients unwilling to visit their GP unless absolutely necessary, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Dr Shah launched the Prostate Cancer Campaign, which aims to provide “less threatening” alternative spaces for men to have their prostate checked.

In addition to sports clubs, clinics were also organized at police headquarters, factories and workplaces. “The problem with prostate cancer is that it’s a silent killer,” Dr. Shah said.

“Every 45 minutes, a man dies from it – but if we catch it early, we can cure it. So why do so many men die? “A lot of it comes from the barriers men face when it comes to testing.

“Either they’re too busy working or they’re kind of embarrassed about it. They seem generally reluctant to address these issues, and with that in mind, we set up the campaign.

“We turned a disused Covid-19 testing bus into a prostate screening bus, and now we’re going here, there and everywhere. It’s a less threatening environment than going to the hospital and a little more relaxed.

“We find places with free parking and we’ll offer them a cup of tea while they wait to see us. This was the project that worked the first time, and so we did it again and again, visiting football clubs and other places where men congregate.

“We want to break down the stigma and remove the fear factor of testing.”

Dr Shah, who is in his 50s, took to the streets of his local community for the first time in a ‘health bus’ to hold a clinic to check men on New Year’s Eve 2023.

The doctor and her team of volunteers were “absolutely overwhelmed” and it was clear that there was a need for more comfortable and accessible ways for men to be tested. To date, the team has tested nearly 3,300 men and held 45 events.

At each clinic they identified at least one positive case of prostate cancer. The test involves checking levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) through a blood test, which can help identify any abnormalities, followed by an examination of the prostate.

Each person who is tested receives a personalized result letter, which is also issued to the GP. Dr Shah said: “One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in the UK.

“If you are not going to come to me in the clinic to be checked, I will come to you in the community.”

Once the cancer has been identified, the doctor has another problem to address: post-treatment care. There are several common problems that arise after surgery, including incontinence and erectile dysfunction – the possibility of which can prevent men from getting fully tested.

Dr. Shah has partnered with pelvic health brand iMEDicare-Pelvic Health Naturally to provide early solutions to patients. She said: “The problem is that many men will point out that they had no problems before they were diagnosed – and now I tell them that not only do they have cancer, they will have problems arising from the treatment.

“So I want to be ready with the solutions. After the surgery we do to remove the prostate, patients will often experience stress incontinence.

“They tend to need to wear pads to catch the leakage, which can be changed four to five times a day – for many men, this can be uncomfortable and unpleasant.”

Dr Shah refers his patients to iMEDicare-Pelvic Health Naturally, who have medical devices for the management of incontinence and erectile dysfunction, supported by the NHS.

Dr Shah added: “We will not leave anyone suffering post-treatment stranded without solutions.”

For her efforts in screening and diagnosing cancer patients, the doctor was presented with an MBE from King Charles earlier this year after being named in the New Year’s Honors List. “I am deeply honored to receive this award, especially from HRH the King.

“This is a reflection of the dedication of the incredible team that volunteers with me. We are all passionate and fully committed to continuing to raise awareness and treat men with this dreaded disease as early as possible.”

“We’re trying to remove the stigma, but the key message I have for men here is: if you haven’t had your PSA checked and you’re over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer – go and get checked. Prostate cancer doesn’t have to be life-ending – the earlier we catch it, the more likely it is to be cured.”