KESH man Nigel Holden admits that seeing recent headlines about Sir Chris Hoy's cancer diagnosis has brought back difficult memories. 

Mr. Hoy, a six-time Olympic gold medallist, recently revealed that he has between "two to four years" left to live after being diagnosed with stage four cancer.

The main cancer was found in his prostate, which has metastasised to his shoulder, pelvis, hip, ribs, and spine.

Mr. Holden knows all too well the impact that prostate cancer can have mentally and physically.

He was diagnosed in 2021, but thankfully his cancer was detected before it could spread further. 

"Seeing A survivor of the news about Chris Hoy was hard to process given my own experience with prostate cancer," Mr. Holden said. 

"It's desperately sad. Generally, when you are over 50, you are more at risk, so Chris is young to be diagnosed at 48. But no matter what age you are, it's a shock to hear the news."

Speaking on his own diagnosis, the 66-year-old said: "I was diagnosed in October 2021 after having some biopsies carried out.

"Yes, it was a shock to hear the word cancer, but I knew something wasn't right even before this. There were symptoms, such as finding it difficult to go to the loo. I knew something was wrong and even sought a second opinion.

"Eventually I was red-flagged to the North West Cancer Centre in Derry, and I started radiotherapy in March the following year."

The worry caused by this situation was compounded as Nigel's wife, Lorraine, had been diagnosed with breast cancer just six months earlier.

"My journey was a bit unusual because, when I was diagnosed in October, my wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer just six months before. Both of us were on a cancer journey at the same time. We could support each other through it, but it was tough."

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in Northern Ireland. It usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs someone has had it for many years.

In Northern Ireland, over 98 per cent of cases develop in men aged 50 or older, and the rate is greatest among men aged over 70.

Mr. Holden appreciates that he is one of the lucky ones. He is especially complimentary about the care he received from the North West Cancer Centre. 

His treatment included radiotherapy five days a week, and he was assisted by the Western Trust, and this was funded overnight stays to ease the burden of traveling from Fermanagh to Derry daily.

"I was well looked after by the Trust, and I can't fault them at all," Mr. Holden continued.

"The Trust paid for me to stay in a hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, which meant I wasn't traveling up every day. Those small things make a big difference, especially when you live as far away as Co. Fermanagh."

Following treatment, Mr. Holden received the long-awaited news that his cancer was in remission. 

"It has been a scary experience, and it changes you, without a doubt," Mr. Holden said. "It made me more positive and taught me to appreciate life and be more grateful for the little things, just the fact that I'm here to enjoy them."

Mr. Holden is urging other men to be mindful of what he regards as "the silent killer", and to get themselves checked out if they feel something isn't right. 

"I would encourage people over 50 to get a PSA test, because it's described as the silent killer. A lot of people don't show symptoms until it's too late.

"If you're getting a preventative check-up every year, they can see if it's within normal levels or if it rises above normal levels."

"This is even more crucial if you're having problems with your water works. If there's anything irregular, take action now."

Like many cancer sufferers and survivors, Mr. Holden has been supported by the Enniskillen cancer charity, SWELL.

In particular, he has found the weekly men's group to be an invaluable source of support during his cancer journey.

"SWELL has a men's group that meets on Friday mornings, and all of us have had some sort of cancer, whether at the waiting or watching stage," he explained.

"It's great because you can go in, close the door, and what you say in the room stays in the room."

"It's a great support because there might be someone a bit further along the journey who can give advice and guidance. It's a good group for men, and it's been invaluable for me."