My April 2026 Diagnosis & The Song That Gives Me Strength

User

Posted 30 Jun 2026 at 20:47

Cancer didn't wait for November, and it didn't grow a moustache – it attacked in April, aiming to take complete control over me and my body. I was lucky. Now, I am the one in control of the cancer. This manifesto is my true story, and at the same time, a wake-up call to all of you: #CheckYourselfToLive.Cancer doesn't choose a specific month of the year for its attack. It strikes in January, May, July – all year round.“Cancer is a trickster, hiding out of sight,and suddenly it cuts you down at your life's very height.”We all know the November campaigns and growing moustaches for fashion or for clout and likes by celebrities. But cancer has no calendar and doesn't wait for autumn. It kills silently, every single day.I wrote this manifesto in early March, before my scheduled surgery. However, due to a sudden common cold, I was excluded from the procedure for an entire month. I wrote these words with other men in mind – about our false pride, the fear of seeing a urologist, and our disregard for health. A month later, in April, life gave me a reality check. I underwent a partial prostate resection surgery, and following histopathological tests, I was diagnosed with malignant cancer. I was extremely lucky that it was detected so early. And for that, I thank my urologist, who convinced me to have the surgery.The very words I had put on paper just weeks before became my own reality. I became the patient from my own song.I realized back then that men are the exact same all over the world. Whether you live in Europe, the Americas, or Asia – the very same foolish pride destroys us by our own choice. We die in silence because we are ashamed of a "5-minute" check-up.If you have the balls to do stupid things and risk your own life just for fun with your buddies, have the balls to get them checked too — your prostate and testicles. The hashtag #CheckYourselfToLive is not a slogan for the chosen ones, nor is it a seasonal trend — it is your hard duty to yourself and to those who count on you and love you. Take responsibility for yourself and those who care about you. Don't wait until it's too late. Time doesn't heal — doctors do.“Screw your pride! Go get checked, my friend,Stop talking nonsense about shame in the end.”Girls, Women – this track is for you as well. You already know how important a mammography or a pap smear is. Your boyfriend, husband, father, or grandfather often lacks this wisdom, or simply doesn't want to have it. He hides behind the mask of a tough guy, but inside, he is just afraid.Be his voice of reason. Play him this song. Let them read these words. Break his shame. You hold the power to make it happen. A man in love will do anything for you, and he will thank you later.Those 5 minutes at the doctor's office are not 5 minutes of shame – it is just a brief moment taken from the rest of our life, which you can save because of it. Screw your pride. Go get checked, man. Share this and save someone you love. Let them have the chance to see their children and grandchildren grow up. This is far more valuable than 5 minutes of "shame."

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 15:50

Hi, Andy.

Welcome to the forum, mate.

The Marsh Family and Prostate Cancer UK produced a song which shares many of your sentiments.

https://youtu.be/IkVLe_qI2dw?is=DrMf5m-UGdW1WZB3

I think it's brilliant.👏

Edited by member 01 Jul 2026 at 16:28 | Reason: Additional text

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 18:58

Hi Adrian56,

Thank you for your warm welcome. It truly means a lot to me that my story resonated with you. I believe that music is a powerful way to break the silence and the stigma around our health, so I really appreciate you sharing that song with me – I’ll definitely check it out.

Since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer only two months ago, I am still at the beginning of this journey. I am looking for information and trying to learn how others cope with this situation in their daily lives. It’s a relief to be here among people who understand. Thanks for reaching out and for the support.

Best regards, AndrewAB

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 16:08

I've been fighting my own battle since May, and it’s a tough road. I’m at the very beginning of it, and I know how much sacrifice and patience this fight will cost me. When I read your posts, I’m filled with hope that things will turn out okay. Many of us feel fear about what comes next, about how the disease will progress or if it will recur. What I’m about to say might shock many of you, but screw that! Stop feeding the cancer with your worries and fear. Many of you are probably thinking, 'What the hell is he talking about?' And you’re right. Worrying, fear, and crying won’t change anything anymore. Don’t poison your life or the lives of your loved ones. Start thinking positively and enjoy life. That’s what I’m going to do, because I’m sick of watching the system treat us like statistics while we lose our lives to fear and 'shame'. That’s why I stopped talking and started writing—not for the institutions, but for us. This is my manifesto. It’s raw, it’s full of rage, and it’s high time we stopped pretending that getting checked is a sign of weakness. The real sign of weakness is our f***ing pride, which forbids us from going to the urologist when things start to go wrong. If this hits home, share it. Let’s make some noise. Every life is precious, and watching your children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren grow up is priceless.

https://share.amuse.io/track/andrew-ab-5-minutes

5 Minutes

You think you’re a stud, that your fire still burns,

But cancer is waiting, as the tide slowly turns.

When the desire is there, but your gear says "no",

Cancer’s eating your manhood, quiet and slow.

Prostate and balls, that’s your foundation, mate,

Without them, your "soldier" is left to his fate.

But pride is the enemy, whispering lies:

"Don't go to the doctor, don't be that guy."

Screw the pride, man, crush all your fears,

You’ve got a say in how this appears.

Don't be afraid, let the shame just die,

Five minutes at the doc’s will save your life.

(Chorus) Screw the pride, man, crush all your fears,

You’ve got a say in how this appears.

Don't be afraid, let the shame just die,

Five minutes at the doc’s will save your life.

You think you’re a king, owning the bed,

That sickness will pass, and you’ll keep your head.

But cancer’s a sly one, hiding from sight,

It’ll cut you down in the prime of your light.

When the gear won't fire, but the craving is high,

You’ve missed the battle, you’ve let it slide by.

Instead of the master, the one in control,

You’ll be curled in a hospital bed, losing your soul.

(Chorus) Screw the pride, man, crush all your fears,

You’ve got a say in how this appears.

Don't be afraid, let the shame just die,

Five minutes at the doc’s will save your life.

When cancer is eating your insides out,

And pride’s left you stupid, lost in the doubt,

When the wires are cut, and the power’s gone,

Game over, mate – you’re as good as done.

So ditch the shame that’s stuck in your head,

Before it’s the neighbours mourning the dead.

Save your future, change how you live,

A quick check-up is the life you can give.

Would you rather an obituary on your page,

Than a moment of shame, at any stage?

Too ashamed to check, to see how you’re made?

Be ashamed when your life starts to fade.

So choose wisely: five minutes with the guy,

Or a life in the dark, where love goes to die? Screw the pride!

Go get checked, take a stand, And never talk b******* about "shame" in this land.

Never talk b******* about "shame" in this land.

Show Most Thanked Posts

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 15:50

Hi, Andy.

Welcome to the forum, mate.

The Marsh Family and Prostate Cancer UK produced a song which shares many of your sentiments.

https://youtu.be/IkVLe_qI2dw?is=DrMf5m-UGdW1WZB3

I think it's brilliant.👏

Edited by member 01 Jul 2026 at 16:28 | Reason: Additional text

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 18:58

Hi Adrian56,

Best regards, AndrewAB

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 21:11

and now I can't get Mack the Knife out of my head!!!!!

Genius version, and such a loving tribute to their dad/grandad

Best wishes - stay positive

CeePee

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 21:26

Hi Andrew AB

Thanks for your post, and sorry to see you here on this forum, but you are amongst friends and some very knowledgeable folk.

Listening to music is one of my favourite ways to destress and played a huge part in my early days when my mind would not let me sleep - Radio3 Unwind got a lot of play, and I discovered some different artists who I now listen to. The use of a SnoozeBand was also useful - a bluetooth connected headband/eye mask with very small flat speakers that allow you to lie on them and go to sleep (there is a timer as well).

Getting "the message" across is important and I do make the point of speaking about my diagnosis - I was completely asymptomatic. If you have not found them already - if you click on the round picture or our name you can see our profile. If you are willing/able to share some of your info then folks can give better targeted support - but only share if you want to.

We all react differently but we all have a common goal - to beat the disease.

The initial period of tests brings plenty of uncertainty but once the treatment plan is in place things will get a lot more focussed. PCUK have a great set of information and their "Toolkit" publication is fantastic, covering diagnosis, treatment options and well being and each publication includes some very good questions which you should be asking of your consultants.

Best wishes - stay positive

CeePee

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 22:08

Hi,

I fully agree with the sentiment of your post.

Many men I've met are afraid of the "indignity" of a digital prostate exam. My wife tells me we should try the smear test for indignity.

They also stress about the biopsy involving an ultrasound probe up the rectum.

I can only imagine it's a deep seated fear of gay sex, even though it's a medical procedure.

The bigger problem is getting GPs to actually commit to a psa test for someone who is not showing some kind of symptom or is below a certain age.

I found it difficult to get a psa test, being told it could cause more upset than necessary as it would almost be negative.

It came back positive and required further tests and biopsy to decide it was not cancer.

My brother however has stage 4 metastatic bone cancer and he is only three years older than me.

He has two sons, one is approaching 35 and they've told him they won't test him till hes in his 40s. The other is approaching 40 and he flatly refuses to have any tests as he would rather not know if something is wrong. I suspect he is just scared and ignorance, as they say, is bliss.

The other problem with getting tested is that our health system is simply not able to deal with large numbers of men requiring treatment. That could be why testing is not being rolled out, to save the system being swamped, but no one will ever admit to that. I had only the absolute minimum of biopsy samples taken and I worry that this could have missed something.

I definitely do not trust the NHS to look after my health in the way I would expect it to for serious illness. Not a great thing to say but I've had three serious issues in my life that were initially brushed off by GPs and hospitals, only to be found to much more serious than they thought. Even to the point that I have two letters from a cardiologist, the first of which says... NOT FOR BETA BLOCKERS and the second of which, several months prescribes a beta blocker for me. I got the tablets, read the caution notice and decided to check with cardiology. Under no circumstances was I to take them as they would seriously risk stopping my heart because I have such a low pulse.

Their explanation? None given, probably just a mistake. Not even a sorry we got it wrong.

ABC .....Accept nothing, Believe no one, Check everything.

User

Posted 01 Jul 2026 at 22:15

Hi CeePee,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for reaching out. It honestly means a lot to me. Being here, among people who have been through this or are currently going through it, feels very different from what I’ve experienced elsewhere so far, and I’m genuinely grateful for the support.

Regarding the "Toolkit" and the tips on sleeping – I will definitely look into those. Dealing with the uncertainty is tough, especially at night, so the headband idea sounds like something I really need to try.

I’ve learned the hard way that you have to be your own advocate in this, and that’s actually why I wrote that song/manifest – to break the silence and the taboo. It's a way for me to keep fighting.

Thanks again for making me feel welcome. It’s a huge relief to know I’m not just waiting on a mailing list somewhere.

Best, Andrew"

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 09:49

Hi Mick, thanks for sharing your story. It’s infuriating to read how many times you were brushed off by the system – it seems this is a global issue, not just local. You’re absolutely right: 'Accept nothing, Believe no one, Check everything.'

Regarding the 'indignity' of the exams – when I first told my GP about my cancer, I joked that I had it 'in my ass'. He didn’t catch the irony, but I’m glad you and the guys here do! Jokes aside, that’s exactly why I’m working on this project. It’s about taking the power back from the disease and the rigid, procedural system that just wants to save money instead of saving lives.

I’m dropping a music project on July 3rd that explores exactly this kind of struggle and the need to break this silence. Stay strong – we are in this together.

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 12:51

Hi Andrew.

Yeah we have to develop a decent sense of humour pretty quickly.

Im just at our local cancer hospital with my brother. He's having a tough time of it and had to pause chemo due to an infection.

They are going to decide if it's worth resuming the chemo for him in his weakened state.

Another blow to a screening programme on the news, when will this cancer be treated seriously?

Mick

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 14:21

Mick, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. Stay strong. This is the f***ing reality we have to face – the system doesn't care about us unless we start fighting for ourselves. It’s a huge blessing to have someone by your side through these dark moments. I'm fighting this battle on my own, so I truly admire what you're doing for him. It’s good that you’re there. Let me know how you guys are doing when you have a moment.

User

Posted 02 Jul 2026 at 16:08

https://share.amuse.io/track/andrew-ab-5-minutes

5 Minutes

You think you’re a stud, that your fire still burns,

But cancer is waiting, as the tide slowly turns.

When the desire is there, but your gear says "no",

Cancer’s eating your manhood, quiet and slow.

Prostate and balls, that’s your foundation, mate,

Without them, your "soldier" is left to his fate.

But pride is the enemy, whispering lies:

"Don't go to the doctor, don't be that guy."

Screw the pride, man, crush all your fears,

You’ve got a say in how this appears.

Don't be afraid, let the shame just die,

Five minutes at the doc’s will save your life.

(Chorus) Screw the pride, man, crush all your fears,

You’ve got a say in how this appears.

Don't be afraid, let the shame just die,

Five minutes at the doc’s will save your life.

You think you’re a king, owning the bed,

That sickness will pass, and you’ll keep your head.

But cancer’s a sly one, hiding from sight,

It’ll cut you down in the prime of your light.

When the gear won't fire, but the craving is high,

You’ve missed the battle, you’ve let it slide by.

Instead of the master, the one in control,

You’ll be curled in a hospital bed, losing your soul.

(Chorus) Screw the pride, man, crush all your fears,

You’ve got a say in how this appears.

Don't be afraid, let the shame just die,

Five minutes at the doc’s will save your life.

When cancer is eating your insides out,

And pride’s left you stupid, lost in the doubt,

When the wires are cut, and the power’s gone,

Game over, mate – you’re as good as done.

So ditch the shame that’s stuck in your head,

Before it’s the neighbours mourning the dead.

Save your future, change how you live,

A quick check-up is the life you can give.

Would you rather an obituary on your page,

Than a moment of shame, at any stage?

Too ashamed to check, to see how you’re made?

Be ashamed when your life starts to fade.

So choose wisely: five minutes with the guy,

Or a life in the dark, where love goes to die? Screw the pride!

Go get checked, take a stand, And never talk b******* about "shame" in this land.

Never talk b******* about "shame" in this land.

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