Derek Chalmers

Derek Chalmers from Perth knows first-hand the life-saving power of finding cancer early, twice. In 2018, just a week after retiring, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer after visiting his GP practice with persistent and unusual symptoms.

His cancer was contained, and keyhole surgery removed it before it spread. Four years later, in March 2022, a routine test at his GP practice helped reveal prostate cancer, despite Derek having no prior symptoms.

Detected early and contained, it was successfully treated with radiotherapy, allowing Derek to live well again and to enjoy holidays, football, and an active social life with his wife, Phyllis.

In 2018, just the week I retired, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, we were actually on holiday when I first experienced symptoms. I was up during the night and noticed that I had blood in my urine.

At the time I didn’t say anything to my wife but when it happened again, it was much worse and we came back home early and went to our GP practice.

Following tests, it was confirmed that it was kidney cancer and I was told that my kidney had to be removed.

The cancer was contained within the organ, which meant it had not spread and I avoided any further treatment. I made a full recovery, of course apart from no longer having a kidney, but I started to enjoy my retirement and spending quality time with my wife and children.

Fast forward to March 2022, I was going to my GP practice to get my annual health check, which I have because I had a heart attack back in 2007. I had a number of routine tests taken that then ended up resulting in a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

I was very fortunate that they had found my prostate cancer early, it was non-aggressive and it was contained, which was good news.

In October 2022 I started treatment, firstly hormone injections and then in February 2023 I started radiotherapy. In April, I saw the Consultant at Perth Royal Infirmary who told me that I was cancer free.

Now that I’m cancer-free and living well again, I’m making sure that I live life to the full – if we want to do it, we do it!

We’re retired and able to go on holiday three or four times a year, which I love so much. My wife Phyllis and I love football, we support our local team, St Johnstone and we go to all the home games as a family.

We also started bowling and we have a great social life: quiz nights, theatre trips, meals out with our friends. We don’t put off what we can do now!

Please don’t delay in contacting your local GP practice with unusual, persistent symptoms. Go to getcheckearly.org to find out more.

The information in this case study, including ages, are current as of the drafting date.