Albert - Interview 31

Age at interview: 92

Age at diagnosis: 86

Brief Outline: Albert was diagnosed with prostate cancer 6 years ago. He decided not to have any conventional treatment, and is undergoing a course of alternative therapy involving some changes to his diet. Generally he feels well, and has put his diagnosis behind him.

Background: Albert is married, and is a retired draughtsman. Ethnic Background: White British.

More about me...

Albert was diagnosed with prostate cancer six years ago and is now 92 years old. It was a bit of a shock when he was diagnosed, as he felt generally quite healthy. He was offered a choice of treatment, but decided to use alternative therapy instead of surgery as he didn’t want to go through treatment at his age. 

 

The alternative treatment involves eating foods such as flaxseed, yogurt, apricots and other vegetables and supplements. He feels that they haven’t done any harm, and generally feels quite well. Some of the symptoms from his cancer have also receded, and he doesn’t have to go to the toilet so frequently. All in all, Albert is glad he took that course of action as he hasn’t had any ill effects. 

 

He has had very little to do with his hospital doctors. His GP allowed him to decide what he wanted to do once he was diagnosed with cancer. He is having regular PSA tests every six months. Other than that, he doesn’t usually see his doctor about prostate cancer. He doesn’t feel anxious in any way related to his cancer and feels that he has put it behind him. 

 

Albert says that having support during his prostate cancer from people in his local community...

It seems that there is a lot of support in the village.

 

Wife' Oh, yes.

 

Albert' Very much so. I’ve never been in a village where people have been so supportive and willing to help when it’s needed. It’s quite incredible. It gives you a great sense of security, you know, knowing that people do care, and it’s a characteristic, I think, of this village that it’s a caring community, and yes, it’d probably be different if you were amongst people that didn’t care, you know, living in London, we lived in London at one time and you never knew your next door neighbour. People didn’t have that community spirit that we feel we’ve got in this village.