A cancer survivor from Manchester is speaking out about his experience of prostate cancer this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to help encourage men to be aware of their risk.
Gilbert Morgan, aged 59, from Moston, Manchester, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 after he went for a PSA blood test.
Since his diagnosis Gilly has made it his mission to educate men in his community and to raise awareness about the increased risk of prostate cancer amongst Black men over aged 45.
Gilly’s PSA test results showed he required further investigations and he was referred on for some tests by his GP. This included an internal examination and biopsy. After this he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was treated with surgery to remove his prostate and is now fit, healthy and living a good life.
The dad-of-four and a grandad-of-three said:
“When I was told I had prostate cancer my world fell apart. But now I know if you catch it early it is so much easier to treat. We need to kill the taboo and get men talking about prostate cancer. You need to know your risk.
“Black men over 45 are more likely to develop prostate cancer than the rest of the population. If you’re black, male and over 45 I’d encourage you to talk to your GP about your risk – and if appropriate have the PSA test – it might just save your life.”
Gilly continues to raise awareness about prostate cancer working with BHA for Equality and Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. In 2023 he even appeared on the side of a bright yellow prostate cancer awareness roadshow which toured Greater Manchester to encourage men to get talking about prostate cancer.
1 in 4 Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime compared to 1 in 8 men in the general population.
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms. So if you fall into a higher risk group, such as being a black man, you should speak to your GP to discuss your risk. You may also decide to ask for a PSA test.
Mr Sotonye Tolofari, a consultant surgeon who treats prostate cancer and Clinical Director for Urological Cancers at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms.
“1 in 8 men or people with a prostate will get prostate cancer but we know certain groups are more at risk.
The chances of developing prostate cancer are higher for:
- black men
- men over the age of 50
- or for those who have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer
“If you fall into one of these groups, you should speak to your GP to discuss your risk. You may also decide to ask for a PSA test.”
If prostate cancer is caught early, before symptoms appear, it’s easier to treat.
For more information about prostate cancer visit the NHS website: Prostate cancer – NHS
