Wome should be aware of symptoms of prostate cancer too

Mar 4 2010 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

Wome should be aware of symptoms of prostate cancer too

HAIRDRESSER Jeni Maran was shocked when she discovered her husband had unknowingly had prostate cancer for five years.

Lawrence Maran (57) only became suspicious that something was wrong when he began going to the loo more often during the night and discovered blood in his urine.

But the couple could not have been prepared for the news that he had been suffering from the disease for five years without knowing.

Now Jeni says she wants to make other women aware fully of the symptoms of prostate cancer so they can keep an eye on the men in their family and be ready to spot any early signs of the illness.

She is holding an open day at her West Calder salon, Jeni Brown Hairstyling, this Saturday where women can come along and pick up information leaflets of prostate cancer.

They can also speak to a representative from Prostate Cancer Awareness.

Jeni told the Courier this week: “My husband became concerned at first about having to go to the loo more often during the night.

“At the same time his brother in Cambridge was being treated for bowel cancer and the doctor wrote to us to say that in the light of this Lawrence should be tested.

“We were shocked when we got the tests back and were told he could have had cancer for about five years and our first worry was that it might have spread into his bones.

“It was a really worrying time and such a big shock.”

Jeni said that after Lawrence, a quantity surveyor, had his operation he became unwell again but doctors said he was suffering from a urine infection.

Unhappy with this diagnosis, Jeni contacted Charlie Hogg at the Prostate Cancer Support Group who took steps to get Lawrence back in hospital, where it was discovered he had an infection caused by the operation.

But happily Lawrence is now back to work after recently having a successful three-month check-up.

Jeni continued: “We owe such a huge debt of gratitude to Charlie and that’s why I decided we should spread the word through the salon.

“The support group is invaluable and lets men talk to each other about what they are going through.

“There is one man there who had cancer years ago but still comes back to speak to the other men.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of my shop opening so I decided that instead of having a party I would do this.”

Jeni’s awareness day will be held this Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm where there will be a tombola and other activities, along with information on prostate cancer.