In this “Movember”, male cancer awareness month, the mayor of Cazouls-lès-Béziers decided to tell the story of his recent fight against prostate cancer. Strong words.
You battled prostate cancer earlier this year. First, how are you?
GOOD. I was lucky, so to speak, that this cancer was diagnosed very early. It was not at a very advanced stage, which made it possible, thanks to an operation six months later, to overcome it, even if for five years, I will obviously remain under surveillance, with regular blood tests.
Is it this “chance” that pushes you to testify?
Yes. This experience showed me how essential it is to carry out regular checks. For my part, it all started with a simple blood test, a little after my 60th birthday, to check that everything was okay. The analyzes revealed a PSA level (which measures the content of prostate specific antigen in the blood, Editor’s note) of 5 ng/ml, slightly higher than the level of 4 ng/ml which can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, I had no warning signs, I did not wake up at night to urinate for example, and I felt in great shape.
The specialist gave me a few weeks to think about it, and after talking about it with my family, I opted for the operation, given that the other two options no longer allow, in the event of a recurrence, to return to this first choice.
What happened then?
My urologist preferred to carry out investigations and if the ultrasound showed nothing, an MRI confirmed the presence of a nodule. It was September 27, 2024, my daughter’s birthday. At the end of November, a biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer cells, so I entered into a treatment protocol. I was offered three therapies: the operation which removes part of the prostate; radiotherapy for five sessions every three weeks for three months; brachytherapy which consists of irradiating the tumor from inside the body. After explaining to me the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy, the specialist gave me a few weeks to think about it, and after talking about it with my family, I opted for the operation, given that the other two options no longer allow, in the event of a recurrence, to return to this first choice.
What state of mind are you in when you are diagnosed?
Until then, I had often asked myself the question of my reaction to the illness. Ultimately, the time between the MRI and the diagnosis allowed me to prepare myself psychologically. The urologist told me that the presence of a nodule generally leaves little doubt. So it wasn’t a shock, even if it’s never easy to take. On the other hand, I was more worried about telling my children. I tried to reassure them by telling them that the doctor himself had been reassuring.
Is the support of loved ones also therapy?
The family and friendly environment matters a lot indeed. And my role as mayor played a role too. I obviously announced it to my municipal team and a few days later, many in the village (a little over 5,000 inhabitants, Editor’s note) knew of the ordeal I had to face. So, during the elders’ meal, they were the ones who asked me how I was. I received nothing but kindness. What also matters a lot is the relationship of trust with your therapist.
How do you live until the operation?
As normally as possible. In any case, until the day before the meeting, March 19, I was at the town hall. I even chaired the municipal council which voted on the budget on the evening of March 18. It also allowed me to think about something else, I think it’s necessary.
And after?
There is normally three months of rest, but I preferred to return to the town hall six weeks later because I felt good, once the fatigue linked to the operation had passed. On the other hand, I did not skimp on the rehabilitation which mainly consists of strengthening the perineum. I started it before, both with the physiotherapist and even regularly during the day. This allowed me to not suffer from any incontinence, which is often a side effect of this cancer.
I can guarantee it: all this does not hinder any masculine faculty (smile).
Nothing is taboo for you in your story…
Absolutely nothing. I really think it’s necessary to play down all of this. Moreover, and because many men ask me, sometimes with embarrassment, I can guarantee it: all this does not hinder any masculine faculty (smile).
What do you remember from this experience?
Lots of lessons. Already, being confronted with this type of ordeal changes your vision of life; there is a before and an after. But also that we are lucky to live in a country where the health system, whatever people say, is efficient. Finally, I repeat myself, but prevention is vital. Checks must be carried out regularly. Without this blood test, and even though prostate cancer is one of the most treatable, my story could have been very different.