Jeff Titmarsh, 67, a painter and decorator, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after his clients, who were retired doctors, noticed how often he used their bathroom. Jeff was urinating up to 12 times a day but attributed it to aging. While painting the home of two retired doctors, they observed his frequent visits and urged him to seek medical advice. The otherwise fit grandfather-of-four underwent tests that revealed prostate cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Jeff discovered the cancer was stage four and had spread to his bones. He underwent chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Initially told the cancer was incurable, he responded well to treatment and is now in remission. He is fundraising and raising awareness about symptoms, which affect one in eight men.
Jeff's Story
The divorced father of two from Stratford-on-Avon said: "I had been peeing for England. I was doing external paintwork for these doctors and had to come down scaffolding to use the loo, so they always saw me. They asked about it and recommended I see my GP."
Speaking of his diagnosis, he said: "I was in shock—you don't take it all in. I caught it late, but not too late. If chemo hadn't worked, it would have been curtains for me. Going to the loo more was the only symptom, but I ignored it for a year. The doctors gave me the push to get checked. My message is get checked as soon as possible."
Jeff noticed increased bathroom visits from around 2023, sometimes failing to make it in time. In May 2024, while painting, the clients asked about his symptoms and recommended a checkup. A blood test led to an MRI scan. He received a call while on holiday in Devon with his daughter and grandson, indicating something was found and a biopsy needed.
By August 2024, the biopsy confirmed cancer, and further tests showed stage four prostate cancer that had spread to his rib bone. Jeff said: "I was okay telling my family, but then I saw my friend at the gym and burst into tears. Two blokes crying and hugging in the gym—everyone must have wondered what was going on."
He began chemotherapy in November 2024, alongside medication to block testosterone production, which the oncologist believed was fueling the cancer. He was grateful that the cancer responded well, and by December he was in remission.
Fundraising and Awareness
Jeff now requires two-monthly blood tests and daily hormone medication. Feeling much better, he is training for Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 charity cycling event in September for Prostate Cancer Research. He said: "The most common symptom is going to the loo more. Otherwise, you wouldn't know I was ill—I didn't lose weight. Get checked as soon as possible. Forget the British stiff upper lip. Be positive and have a good circle of family and friends."
Jeff's fundraiser is on GoFundMe.
