Gordon Snow tells Parliament PSA testing led to prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate cancer survivor Gordon Snow told Parliament on Monday 28 September that routine PSA blood tests led to his prostate cancer diagnosis at age 55. Snow said his PSA level rose from 3.7 to 12 over about a year and a half, prompting further tests.

Speaking during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Snow urged men to seek medical advice and testing rather than waiting for symptoms. He said stigma and embarrassment still deter some men, despite what he described as a record number of men being tested this year. Parliament Chairlady Sarah Wescot-Williams said employers should allow workers time to respond to screening calls.

Snow said he started PSA testing at 40 despite having no known family history of the disease. He said he later chose surgery in Panama, where his prostate was removed using robotic-assisted surgery, followed by about eight weeks of initial recovery.

Snow said prostate cancer treatment can affect bladder control, sexual function and fertility. He told Parliament that earlier detection can give patients more treatment options before the disease advances or spreads.