A FATHER of three from Anglesey recovering from prostate cancer is encouraging others to know the risks of the most common cancer in men.

Idwal Hughes of Penysarn was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January after an earlier prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test showed that his PSA levels were higher than average.

After undergoing a number of scans, the 57-year-old received the positive news that his cancer had not spread to other parts of the body. He then underwent surgery in April to remove his prostate.

"When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer I was shocked, mainly because I hadn’t been experiencing any of the typical symptoms.

"I was very lucky, as mine was caught early. I didn’t have to go through radiotherapy or chemotherapy, as the results from the lymph nodes (local to the prostate), which were removed at the same time, came back clear, which was a huge relief.

"My PSA levels are now undetectable; however, they will be monitored going forward to keep an eye on things."

Idwal hopes that sharing his story will encourage other men to be aware of the disease and to seek medical help if they experience any symptoms.

Like Idwal, most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms. However, possible symptoms can include a weak flow when you urinate, a feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly and needing to urinate more often, especially at night.

In the UK, around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Older men, men with a family history of prostate cancer and black men are more at risk.

"I decided to speak out about my diagnosis in the hope it would encourage other men to talk more about their own or if they are worried about any symptoms they are having," Idwal said.

"Your health is the most important thing and if you act quickly it gives you a better chance to catch anything nasty early. Those thirty seconds of embarrassment can save your life."

During his time at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Idwal met Linda Williams, Uro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, who was present to provide support when he received the diagnosis.

"Linda was fantastic, she was very helpful and went through everything with me in regards to what would happen next," Idwal said.

"It’s really important that this information is provided at the time, as when you hear you have cancer, you don’t really take a lot of things in, as regards to what is being said or explained in the room."

For more information on prostate cancer visit https://prostatecanceruk.org/