Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
RA diagnosed October 2001 after reduction in mobility and general lethargy. Had side effects from Sulfasalazine so is currently taking Methotrexate 10mg/wk +folic acid (2 tablets/week), Rofecoxib (an NSAID which had now been withdrawn) 25mg/day & Ramopril (blood pressure).
Self-employed carpet fitter who has had to reduce work to part time since onset of RA. Married with two adult children.
She encouraged her husband (interview number PSA27) to have a PSA test, but with the wisdom of hindsight she regrets this. Says that the consequences of the test (her husband's biopsy and its side-effects), affected her husband's sexual confidence for months.
Occupation’ Psychosexual therapist & relationship counsellor. Marital status married. Number of children’ 2. Ethnic background’ White British.
Did not have any symptoms, but having read articles about prostate cancer and the PSA test in the national press he decided to ask his GP for the test. The result was 'normal'.
Occupation’ Acupuncturist. Marital status married. Number of children’ 1. Ethnic background’ White American.
He had lost weight and had erectile problems. In 2004, at his annual check up, he asked for a PSA test, which was slightly raised. After a biopsy he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and treated with hormones and brachytherapy.
Occupation’ Retired engineer. Marital status married. Number of children’ 3. Ethnic background’ White British.
He had mild urinary symptoms, and backache. Knowing that bone pain can be due to the spread of prostate cancer he asked his GP for a PSA test. This was "raised", but when repeated six months later was lower, so he was reassured.
Occupation’ Retired teacher. Marital status Married. Ethnic background’ White British.
He asked his GP for a PSA test because he had prostate cancer in the family and because a colleague persuaded him that it was a good idea to have regular health checks. PSA tests in 2001 and 2004 were 'normal'.
Occupation’ Retired police officer. Marital status Married. Number of children’ 2. Ethnic background’ White British.
Ten years ago had urinary symptoms and had TURP operation for enlarged prostate. In 2002 he found blood in his urine. His PSA was "raised" so he had a biopsy, and prostate cancer was diagnosed. This has been treated with hormones.
Occupation’ Retired police officer. Marital status widower. Number of children’ 1. Ethnic Background’ White British.
He decided to have a PSA test because of a family history of prostate cancer. The PSA result was slightly raised, so he had a biopsy. Cancer was diagnosed. In May 2005 he had a radical prostatectomy.
Occupation’ Sales manager. Marital status married. Number of children’ 2. Ethnic Background’ White British.
He had urinary symptoms for about 5 years, and in February 2005 had a PSA test which was slightly raised. After a biopsy, prostate cancer was diagnosed and treated with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). He recovered quickly from the operation with few side effects and little discomfort.
Occupation’ Guest house proprietor. Marital status married. Number of children’ 4. Ethnic background’ White British.
In 1996 he consulted his GP because his urinary flow wasn't as powerful as previously. Investigations, including a blood test and biopsy, indicated prostate cancer with metastases in bones. He is treated intermittently with hormones. He also finds spiritual healing helpful.
Occupation’ Retired electrical technician. Marital status married. Number of children’ 6. Ethnic background’ Afro-Caribbean.
