**Grandfather Urges Men to Seek Routine Health Checks Following Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis**
Nick James, a remarkably active and health-conscious grandfather from Southport, found his life turned upside down after an unexpected cancer diagnosis in his early 60s. Describing himself as someone who had always prioritised wellbeing—eating a balanced diet, keeping fit, and steering clear of smoking or drinking—Nick was shocked to discover he had stage 4 prostate cancer, despite never displaying any symptoms.
It all began with what Nick considered a routine health decision. “I thought, perhaps it’s time for a Wellman check-up,” he recalls. The results of a simple blood test, which showed his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels had reached 4.5, set off a further round of investigations. Ultimately, doctors identified a 30mm tumour on his prostate. The news was particularly startling as Nick had rarely needed to visit a doctor, relying on his healthy lifestyle to keep illness at bay.
“I’d barely ever seen a GP,” Nick explained. “Then suddenly, I found myself undergoing 16 biopsies along my lymph nodes. By that stage, the cancer had already spread beyond the prostate.” Nick underwent major surgery to remove his prostate along with all the affected lymph nodes. However, just a year later, a nagging pain in his back led to the discovery of another tumour, this time at the base of his spine, necessitating a course of radiotherapy.
His battle didn’t end there. Last December, mistaking symptoms for sciatica, Nick learned he had two more tumours pressing against nerves on his spine. Additional medication and radiotherapy followed, but further discomfort in his leg finally revealed bone cancer. Despite the daunting series of diagnoses and intensive treatments, Nick, a grandfather of seven, remains remarkably positive and resilient.
“I just keep telling myself I haven’t got cancer,” Nick says with determination. “Doctors can only do so much. It’s up to you—to participate in your recovery, to stay engaged with life, or to let the disease overwhelm you.” For Nick, making the most of family time is central to his strategy. He speaks fondly of family holidays and walks in the Lake District, and describes how he continues to cherish the joy his grandchildren bring.
Nick is now a passionate advocate for men’s health awareness. He insists that all men, regardless of symptoms, should request a routine PSA blood test once they turn 50—or even earlier if there is a family history of prostate cancer. “If it hadn’t been for that initial blood test, I wouldn’t be here today,” he states. He highlights the additional benefits of regular check-ups, pointing out that they also monitor cholesterol and diabetes, making a visit worthwhile for overall health.
Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to raising awareness, Nick is now training for the Chris Hoy Tour de 4, a 56-mile charity cycle ride in aid of Prostate Cancer UK scheduled for September. His preparations include cycling 40 miles a week—a testament to his enduring devotion to fitness and charity.
Nick cannot speak highly enough of the NHS staff who have supported him throughout his journey, emphasising the quality and compassion of the care he’s received over the past four years. “Despite all the negative headlines, my experience has been nothing short of incredible,” he says. “With the NHS’s help and my own efforts to keep active and optimistic, I’ve managed to avoid letting cancer define me.”
His message is clear and heartfelt: early detection saves lives. Nick encourages any man over 50—or younger, if risk factors are present—to ask their GP for a blood test. “Cancer doesn’t always come with symptoms, as my story shows. The earlier it’s found, the better the chances of a positive outcome.”
Nick’s journey underlines the unpredictability of cancer and the importance of taking proactive steps for health. For those inspired by his story, donations to his fundraising efforts for prostate cancer research can make a tangible difference to others facing the same battle. As Nick puts it, “Life goes on. You mustn’t give up, no matter the diagnosis. Stay positive, keep going, and make the most of every day.”