Mount Maunganui cancer survivor Phil Rouse was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 20 years ago. Photo / Megan Wilson
Mount Maunganui cancer survivor Phil Rouse was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 20 years ago. Photo / Megan Wilson
Mount Maunganui cancer survivor Phil Rouse has achieved “many things” since being diagnosed with prostate cancer about 20 years ago.
The 87-year-old remains “very active” and cycles about 40km a week. He has travelled, and worked until he was 77.
That is because his prostate cancer treatment was “a great success”, allowing him to continue living life “as normal”.
This month is Blue September - Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand’s biggest fundraising event of the year, dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer.
Four thousand men in New Zealand will be told they have prostate cancer this year, making it the country’s most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, a foundation press release said.
He said he had brachytherapy treatment - a one-day operation - at the old Grace Hospital.
The Grace Prostate Cancer Centre website says brachytherapy is where radioactive seeds are inserted permanently into the prostate gland.
Brachytherapy allows for a continuous and higher localised dose of radiation to the cancer cells.
Rouse said the treatment had been a “great success”.
He had “no issues” post-treatment but did remember his urine discharge was “much greater” than previously.
‘Enjoying life as best one can’
Rouse, who owned a construction business involved mainly in the forestry industry, worked until he was 77.
“I just carried on as life was normal.”
Rouse - who lives with his wife in a retirement village - has two adult children and five grandchildren.
“We’ve achieved many things. We’ve been able to travel, of course, we’ve been able to do everything on a day-to-day basis ... to remain motivated and enjoying life as best one can.”
He described himself as “very active” and goes for a weekly 40km bike ride in Tauranga with friends.
“We have come a long way, but the truth is all men over 50 need to chat to their doctor about prostate cancer, as well as insist on a programme of PSA testing appropriate to them.”
Bedingfield said this was even more important if they had a family history of prostate cancer, in which case they needed to do it “much earlier”.
“I watched my dad die of prostate cancer, then I got it myself.