A 61-year-old Worcestershire man credits the passing of BBC presenter Bill Turnbull for saving his life after he sought medical testing due to noticing just one possible symptom. Stephen Field, a retired accountant, felt prompted by Turnbull’s death in 2022 to get checked for prostate cancer despite attributing his nightly bathroom trips to aging.
Reflecting on life before his diagnosis, Stephen said: “Before my diagnosis, I had taken early retirement in December 2021, and was enjoying having more time for myself and my wife. I had taken up a voluntary job working on Hartlebury Common, helping to maintain its unique heathland SSSI status, and I was also enjoying spending lots of time in my own garden.”
He recalled his lack of significant symptoms, adding: “I had no discernible symptoms before my diagnosis, save for perhaps being aware that I was probably getting up in the night on occasions to pop to the loo.”
The death of BBC Breakfast host Turnbull, who had openly campaigned for greater awareness of prostate cancer, spurred Stephen to undergo a PSA test for the first time. His initial results were not alarmingly high but following further tests over a year at his doctor’s recommendation, his condition was detected.
The subsequent tests after the second one indicated rising levels, prompting his GP to recommend further examination and an MRI scan. The MRI results were ambiguous, leading to a biopsy in October 2023, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In November, Stephen received the diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. Reflecting on that moment, Stephen said, “It was only when the results of the biopsy were presented to me that I realised it was serious,” adding, “I honestly thought that the biopsy results were going to be negative, and that there were no issues.
“I was numb, devastated. I couldn’t’ think straight. My wife broke down when the doctor confirmed I had prostate cancer and it was very aggressive. I was upset that she was upset. I was also struggling to think how I would break the news to my son. My wife did all the running around over the next month or so until I was admitted to hospital.”
In January 2024, Stephen underwent a full radical prostatectomy to remove his prostate. “Recovery was slow,” he admits.
“I massively underestimated both the physical and emotional impact it would have on me. It was challenging to say the least. I still have some side effects that are being looked at. Nerve damage has left both my feet with a numbness, and I have been referred to a neurologist. “There are other side effects to the surgery. But I see that as small fry to now having a life in front of me again.
” Stephen is making the most of every day, and hopes to raise vital awareness of prostate cancer. “The surgeon did tell me that I had no idea how lucky I was that the cancer had been discovered when it was,” he adds. “I think both I and my wife at one point thought I may die. I still have anxieties when I get the results of my quarterly PSA blood test.
“During the op and period of recovery, I was an emotional car crash. So sometimes I struggle to discuss what I have been through. I now spend less time worrying about the ‘what ifs’. I’ve directed my energies into my love of my garden.”
He expressed his concern about the lack of awareness regarding prostate cancer, saying: “I wish more people knew that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer and I wish more men knew about their risks of the disease, to help them make a decision about getting a PSA blood test!
This autumn, Prostate Cancer UK launched an awareness campaign to bring attention to the fact that 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with the condition, often too late. The leading men’s health charity is urging public support for life-saving research through donations.
More information can be found at prostatecanceruk.org/chance6.