I was so lucky cancer was spotted
WHEN his father died from advanced prostate cancer Iain Leighton resolved not to be caught out by the disease.
But despite his annual tests it was only when he visited his doctor following a cycling injury that he discovered he also had the deadly illness.
Bill Leighton, Iain’s father, instructed his son to get frequent checks before dying from prostate cancer 20 years ago.
Iain, 66, said: ‘I would not have found my tumours if I had not injured my leg. All I know is that I’m extremely lucky.’ Of his father’s illness, he said: ‘It was ghastly to see someone die such a slow and debilitating death.
‘To my sister and I he was a god, and it was horrible to see it happen. When he was dying he told me to make sure I got regular checks, so I’ve had a test every year since then.’
During his appointment for his cycling injury, Mr Leighton’s doctor suggested they bring his prostate test forward by a few months. It came out positive.
Mr Leighton said: ‘I was numb. I didn’t expect it. I went to the doctor alone which was a giant mistake. I thought I was going to die. But when I was told my cancer wasn’t going to kill me I could have kissed my consultant.’
The retired lawyer, who lives in Clapham, south London, is due to start radiotherapy next week.
He said: ‘So far the NHS has treated me wonderfully. Other people need to be more open about prostate cancer. Since my father died, I’ve always encouraged people to get checked. If I see a group of young men sitting in a cafe I tend to go over and tell them about prostate cancer.’