“My cancer diagnosis changed last Christmas, but thanks to early detection, every Christmas brings more special moments.” – Russell’s experience

When Russell was diagnosed with prostate cancer just before Christmas last year, the news didn't sink in at first. The 65-year-old from Sheffield wanted to get tested for prostate cancer after learning men of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity are significantly more likely to get this type of cancer. 

Now, as he approaches the first Christmas since his diagnosis and subsequent treatment, Russell is helping to raise awareness of the importance of early detection and the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research in giving people and their families more time together.

Because it was found early, there were options for how his cancer could be treated. Russell has been a hairdresser for 45 years and over the last 15 years has specialised as a hair and scalp consultant. The opportunity to choose a treatment with fewer side-effects was important to him as it meant he could continue running his business.

He opted for brachytherapy, which involves placing small radioactive seeds into the prostate which slowly release radiation to kill the cancer cells.

“For me, the side-effects of my radiotherapy have been minimal. Yes, I've had some problematic symptoms, such as feeling quite tired and a bit ‘flat’, which is not like me at all, but I’ve learned to manage that. Keeping a positive mindset has helped and it could have been so much worse. I've been able to carry on running the business and spending time with my family.”

For Russell, the hardest part of his treatment was not being able to hug his grandchildren to protect them from any radiation he could expose them to. 

“I couldn’t hug my grandchildren, including my newborn grandson, for three months - to protect them from any radiation I might pass on to them. That was a big learning for us. It’s not the case with all types of radiotherapy, but with the permanent brachytherapy I had, it’s important you don’t have close contact with children and pregnant women.”

Since his diagnosis, Russell has supported the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research, including a major new prostate cancer screening trial led by his consultant, Professor James Catto.

Four thousand men in Yorkshire are told they have prostate cancer each year. More than half are diagnosed at a late stage when there are fewer treatment options. 

The clinical trial, called IMProVE, is investigating how a national screening programme for prostate cancer could be introduced so men at risk of developing the disease, who don’t have symptoms, are automatically invited for testing without having to ask. 

It will also investigate whether a programme that combines prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests with MRI scans could save lives and if so, how to make screening accessible to everyone who needs it.

“It’s fantastic Yorkshire Cancer Research are funding this trial in Yorkshire,” Russell said. “Just imagine how many guys could be saved because of it! I know from hard personal experience, screening is pivotal.”

When Russell went to get tested in 2024, the results of the test showed his PSA level was raised. Men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a free PSA test, however the test is not routinely offered through the NHS because it is not considered a reliable way of screening for cancer in people without symptoms. It is possible to have a raised PSA level and not have cancer, and it is possible to have cancer without a raised PSA level. 

Professor Catto is Professor of Urology at the University of Sheffield and an Honorary Consultant Urological Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. He has been treating people with bladder and prostate cancers for nearly 20 years. 

He said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, yet there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer. There should be, but we need to understand how best to deliver this. Many men have small prostate cancers, which will grow very slowly and so do not need to be found.

Since his diagnosis, it’s also been important for Russell to share his experience and encourage other men to get tested.

"If my diagnosis had come even a few weeks later, I would no longer have been eligible for brachytherapy. I had gone beyond the window where monitoring is enough to keep things in check. The situation differs from man to man, which is why it’s imperative to get these tests done as soon as you’re able to. 

“But it's too easy for men to procrastinate, like I once did, especially when there are no symptoms. It’s too easy to think: “If the doctors aren’t pushing me to get tested, why should I?” and “It will never happen to me”. Until it does.”

Russell’s decision to speak openly about his prostate cancer diagnosis has already had a profound impact on others, including one of his friends, who decided to get tested after hearing him speak about his experience. 

“One friend went for tests after reading about my experience. He was sadly diagnosed with cancer, which was more advanced than mine, but he’s started treatment now. He felt fine and that’s part of the problem. For the slower-growing cancers you can feel fine but still need the underlying problem to be addressed.”

Since his diagnosis, Russell has welcomed a new grandson and is now looking forward to Christmas. His stepdaughter Rowen also shared the news she’s expecting a child in March.

“It's thanks to early detection, I had options and could have a gentler treatment. For that, I feel blessed and look forward to more happy times ahead. My other daughter Lois is getting married in two years and will need a hairdresser of course! I’m also looking at where I can take the business next.”

“I can’t wait to spend time with my children and grandchildren over the festive period, including taking the daughters to see a Christmas Carol. My favourite bits of the day itself are the games and the home-cooked traditional dinner. And yes, I’m even happy to resume my role as dishwasher! We also do a Boxing Day walk at Sheffield Botanical Gardens – it's a beautiful part of South Yorkshire and this walk has become something of a family tradition.

Over 2,600* people in Yorkshire will be told they have cancer this Christmas. Help fund vital cancer research and give people the greatest gift of all – more time together: 

_{^{*Estimate for December 2025. Every month, 2,636 people in Yorkshire are told they have cancer.}}