A taxi driver has credited a passenger with saving his life after a conversation about prostate cancer led to an early diagnosis. Brian Kelly appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain to share his story alongside passenger Tam Hewitt, who urged him to get checked.
Chance Conversation Leads to Diagnosis
Brian Kelly, a cab driver, told hosts Rob Rinder and Charlotte Hawkins that he is "forever grateful" to Tam Hewitt. The two had a discussion in the taxi about prostate health, which prompted Brian to follow up with his GP. Despite having no symptoms, Brian was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent brachytherapy treatment.
Brian explained: "The conversation, in essence, was about awareness of what is your prostate, 'Do you know of the risks associated with your health, and do you know how to check it?' It was a conversation which was easy. And so because it was an easy conversation, I took it in. I was listening."
He added: "I'd said to Tam that I would follow up with my GP, and so I did. And naturally, when you speak to your GP about these things, you get asked a lot of questions. Because at the end of the day, I had no symptoms. All I did was to follow up on a conversation."
Successful Treatment
Brian's treatment was successful. He described the procedure as straightforward, requiring an overnight stay, and he was back at work a week later. Tam, who had previously battled prostate cancer himself, regularly raises awareness about the disease.
Tam told the presenters: "I raise awareness of prostate cancer on a regular basis. At the end of every opportunity I get when I'm talking to somebody, I'll raise the subject, and I'll ask, 'Have you considered it? Do you know anything about it?' And I'll give them the information."
He emphasised the importance of early detection: "Too many people are losing their lives. Too many people with prostate cancer are losing their lives early when if they go and get checked out, they can be saved. And Brian's case, he goes in, gets himself checked out, and he's been treated, and he's a lot better off now."
As they embraced on the show, Brian told Tam: "You saved my life, and I'm forever grateful." Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.
