An Ayr United stalwart has told how a health "rant" from his fellow supporter changed the course of his life. Barry Cowan was stunned to discover he'd been diagnosed with prostate cancer - despite suffering no symptoms.
How a fan's warning led to a diagnosis
Barry responded to the urge to take a PSA blood test after warnings from Andy McInnes, who co-ordinates key extra curricular groups at the Ayr United Football Academy. Barry, 64, told the Ayrshire Post: "If I'd waited another few months and not listened to Andy, it could have been a different story. I'd be sat here now none the wiser with things an awful lot worse."
Andy McInnes oversees activities such as Walking Football, a dementia group and the Honest Men's Club. He says Barry's case should act as a timely reminder not to take your health for granted. Andy stressed: "Barry's case proves just how silent this can be. Prostate cancer is one of the biggest killers in men and without the testing, Barry would have been smiling away without a care in the world."
Free testing event at Somerset Park
Hundreds of men are now set to be offered free PSA tests at Somerset Park next month as part of the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative. An initial 500 spaces were snapped up within hours - with an extra 150 now added to cope with demand. The slots are open to any male aged over 40 and involves a simple blood sample being taken.
Barry added: "I can't stress enough how important this is. The stats show that out of the 500 people coming along, there will be 60 guys where something might be picked up. I was lucky that mine was detected so early. I've been able to remain really positive throughout and live my life pretty much as normal."
Barry had robotic surgery at Crosshouse hospital and was discharged the next day. He praised the work of the Academy: "With early detection being so important, you have to take advantage of it. The work of the Academy is fantastic and this is just another example of how vital they are to the community."
