“I’ve been having regular PSA tests since I was 60. Before my diagnosis, I had no pain or bleeding – I was pretty much symptom free,” he said. 

Pictured: Mr Le Gallez had Prostate-specific Antigen tests (PSA) which led to his cancer diagnosis.

“Mr Owen Cole was brilliant, referring me straight to surgeon Michael Van Dem Bossche when he suspected there was a problem that needed to be addressed. I didn’t have any chemotherapy, just an operation to cut out the cancer, but I have a few more follow ups to check everything is okay.  

“I’m cancer clear at the moment. All the nurses have been amazing too and are very passionate about their jobs. 

It was his first-time visiting hospital and the diagnoses came a year after his wife passed away. 

“It’s important to raise awareness and make sure people listen to the advice that they get and take action, so they get a good chance like me. Not just men though, but women too. Things have moved on now and there are so many tests now that can pick up things early,” he added. 

Mr Van Den Bossche said early diagnosis is key to recovery, while collaborative working between primary and secondary care is powerful. 

“Through the coordinated efforts of these medical professionals, Geoff’s journey from a routine PSA test to the discovery of an abnormality in the rectal wall via MRI, and the final confirmation of a cancerous growth through endoscopy, has resulted in a curative operation that offers hope for the future,” he said. 

Pictured (top): Michael Van Dem Bossche and Geoff Le Gallez.