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A Deputy is urging other men to get a “simple blood test” that can identify the early signs of prostate cancer after his own diagnosis.
Having been unable to attend the recent the Special Sitting of the States Assembly to mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as well as a number of other sittings, Deputy Rob Ward shared a statement on Friday explaining his absence.
"I found out that I have (hopefully by the time this is published I can say had) Prostate Cancer," he wrote.
"A special thanks to my GP who suggested a blood test that I would not have considered. The wonders of modern science mean I have options and treatment is effective and successful. But it means I missed the States sitting on 9th September due to having surgery on that day."
Deputy Ward added that he expected "to be back up and running in a couple of weeks."
A quick message to explain my absence from the states sitting and to encourage health screening. Please read. https://t.co/yikOrbKuBZ
— ????Deputy Rob Ward (Reform Jersey)???? (@deputyrobward) September 10, 2022
He said part of the reason he had chosen to open up about his diagnosis was to encourage men to get a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.
"It's a simple blood test and can identify early signs of Cancer. The earlier it's found, the better the long term outcomes. Modern surgery and treatments are genuinely state of the art and we have access to the best of them in Jersey." Deputy Ward explained.
As well as thanking those working in Jersey's health service, Addenbrooks Hospital and Macmillan Jersey, Deputy Ward also took the opportunity to extend a special thanks to the new Health Minister, Deputy Karen Wilson.
"Sometimes the personal becomes the political. I confess that I knew very little about the issues faced by people travelling for treatment in the UK. When faced with this myself the added worries of booking my wife to come with me for support became a sudden personal reality," Deputy Ward said.
"In my role as a Deputy I raised this and others concerns with the minister directly who has acted to enable one person to travel with all patients without the current barriers that are in place.
"The recognition of the need to have genuine patient first treatment is appreciated. This makes a huge difference to all those who face the uncertainty, worry and practicalities of treatment in the UK.
"Cancer creates its own stresses and removing this simple obstacle really helps."
For more information about prostate cancer, visit Prostate Cancer UK.
Macmillan Jersey offers support for islanders with cancer and their families - visit their website here.
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