On Air Now:
Glen White
8pm to 10pm
8pm to 10pm
Our very own Stephen Bumfrey has announced that he has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and will be taking a step back from his regular shows on Broadland whilst he undergoes some surgery and treatment.
Stephen said he was totally unaware that he had Prostate Cancer as he said no symptoms and may never have known had he not have gone for a check. He said that the team at the NHS who have been looking after him have been totally amazing, and he feels fully reassured by the NHS. He said he is also overwhelmed by the support from his colleagues at Brodland and is surrounded by the love and support from his family and friends, which has given him a sense of ownership over the diagnosis.
Stephen is encouraging all men to go and checked, as he was totally unaware of anything being wrong. He said he was totally surprised when he went for a regular checkup. Stephen wants to remind guys how important it is to take care of yourself and get checked.
I’d been booked in for a routine blood test in February this year and, ahead of that appointment, asked if I might have a PSA screening test at the same time. The results flagged up an issue. A second test confirmed this. Soon after that I had a consultation with my GP. During the following weeks I’d had an MRI scan and then a biopsy.
It was clear that the type of prostate cancer I have is ‘contained’ and unlikely to spread in the near future. This has given me treatment options and a manageable timeframe in which to move forward.
I’ve decided that the best way ahead is to have the prostate removed. Before I can be given a date for the procedure I need to get back to to where I was health-wise this time last year! I need fewer late nights editing in the studio - labour of true radio love, I hasten to add - and more time getting my daily steps in. I had been clocking up around 80,000 per week! I also need to return to a healthier routine: mealtimes, sleep, exercise and rest. All straightforward stuff and easy to achieve.
But in order to do this I simply must step back from the Afternoon Show, and my beloved One Foot In The Groove.
The continuing moral support I’m getting from my Broadland chums in priceless! I’m also finding messages and similar stories in my inbox. It’s so good for us all to be talking about something that can affect anyone. In fact, some of my friends are sharing their own experiences with me. Which is a huge help.
Just to add, the NHS is being wonderfully reassuring throughout all of this, the MRI scan isn’t scary - as some might have you imagine, and I have a sense of calm about it all.
And the thing is, I still have no obvious symptoms. So get yourselves tested, chaps!
"One Foot in the Groove is a founding feature of Broadland Radio and very much owned by Stephen Bumfrey. We are so fortunate to have him. Sadly Stephen has decided that he cannot do the weekday shows anymore as he needs to get fit and ready for surgery in his battle against prostate cancer."
"He was diagnosed as having prostate cancer by pure chance and still has no symptoms. Stephen's positivity and desire to help others is an inspiration. He wants to make this experience one that he can share and encourage others to get tested."
"We fully support Stephen with his decision and we will be with him on this journey."
"Stay strong and positive Stephen."
Prostate Cancer UK have a free online risk checker where you can check your risk of prostate cancer in 30 seconds. Click the link below to find out more...