PROFILE, a study led by The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), is focused on the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. People with a family history of prostate cancer are invited to attend The Royal Marsden for a PSA blood test - this looks at the level of prostate-specific antigen present in the blood and can help to detect cancer.
“My Dad had prostate cancer which spread to other areas, and it was cancer that he died from over 20 years ago. Then my brother had cancer of the jaw and was treated at The Royal Marsden before he sadly died too, so I have a strong family history of the disease.”
“I found out about the PROFILE study because a friend posted about it on social media. I felt compelled to sign up to it, not just because it might help me, but because it might be able to help others too.”
“I had no symptoms and felt good within myself at the time – it was only because of my family history of cancer that I even thought about it.”
PROFILE, which has screened hundreds of people at higher genetic risk of prostate cancer like Paul, has been supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Paul’s diagnosis: “I took the news hard”
After his initial blood test and health questionnaire, Paul was invited for an MRI scan, which is the standard process for individuals who are part of the PROFILE study. For those who show no signs of cancer, they are then monitored with an annual blood test to check their PSA levels.
Paul’s MRI scan showed that he had prostate cancer, despite having no symptoms. Without PROFILE, it would have not been caught so early.
“I took the news quite hard, I think I was in shock. My family history meant that I had always felt like I was destined to get cancer at some point, so it was more of a matter of when, not if, but I felt perfectly fine.”
“However, when I learnt more about it, I started to feel a bit more positive about the outcome. It had been caught early, was a low grade and could be treated. I was lucky.”
The PROFILE study is run from the Early Diagnosis and Detection Centre at The Royal Marsden. The Centre is a leading research facility dedicated to finding ways to diagnose patients earlier, therefore enabling them to receive life-saving treatment before their cancer develops further. Thanks to the donations of generous supporters like you, staff members who work in the Centre are supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Robotic surgery at The Royal Marsden
Paul was introduced to Mr Declan Cahill, Consultant Surgeon at The Royal Marsden, who explained to him that he would need surgery to remove the tumour from his prostate.
“Mr Cahill was amazing. He talked me and my wife through the surgery and really put my mind at ease. He even phoned me the night before to ask me if I had any questions – I was really touched by that gesture.”
Mr Cahill performed Paul’s surgery using the Da Vinci Xi surgical robot, which was funded by supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The Da Vinci Xi allows surgeons greater accuracy and precision when operating.
For Paul, the increased accuracy provided by the Da Vinci Xi meant that Mr Cahill was able to save the nerves surrounding the surgery site. As a result, he has not experienced any of the common side effects of prostate surgery, such as incontinence.
“The surgery couldn’t have been better. I was home the next day and the recovery went very well. It was reassuring to know that help and advice was always just a phone call away if I ever needed it.”
“I haven’t had any issues or side effects after the surgery, so my daily life has gone completely back to normal. I don’t need any ongoing treatment either.”
A new lease of life
Since his surgery, Paul has attended The Royal Marsden for regular monitoring and blood tests. He has been able to return to his job as a driving instructor, and in August 2024, he celebrated his daughter Katie’s wedding.
“When I was diagnosed, I wondered if I would ever see Katie get married. If I hadn’t been part of the PROFILE study and had my cancer caught so early, I might not have been there to walk her down the aisle. She’s my only child, so to be there was just so special. It’s a day I’ll never forget.”
“In October 2024, my father-in-law passed away from prostate cancer. He received amazing treatment, but it was
too far advanced for them to be able to save him. I wonder, if it hadn’t been for the PROFILE study, would I have ended up in the same position?”
“I feel incredibly lucky that I saw my friend’s post on social media that day, that I joined the study, and that my cancer was found so early.”
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