Living with prostate cancer

It’s called the silent killer and it is the second most common form of cancer among males in the world. Yet, despite the fact that it only affects men, many are reluctant to talk about it.

Following former president Joe Biden’s announcement that he has an aggressive form of the disease, we hear from two men about their diagnosis, their fears, the stigma and the reality of dealing with side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence after surgery.

“Sometimes I’m a bit nervous when I’m going out, especially if I’d had a lot of water to drink in the day,” said Leslie, a 46-year old DJ in Britain. “So I’m always calculating how much to drink, depending on where I’m going to, which is quite frustrating. Also if I’ve had coffee or if I’ve had alcohol, then I notice that I’m more concerned.”

Leslie is black and he discusses why black men are at higher risk from the disease with an oncology specialist from Nairobi, Kenya. We also hear from a 65-year old Guy Jenkins in Biden’s home state of Pennsylvania. He also has prostate cancer and his daughter, a pharmacist, is helping her father cope with the condition.

Hosted by Mark Lowen.

A Boffin Media production with producer Sue Nelson in partnership with the BBC OS team and producers Virginia Kelly, Akwasi Sarpong, Laura Cress.

(Photo: Leslie in the UK. Credit: Leslie)