Prostate cancer is a journey no man wants to take. It’s one of the most common cancers in men and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Jamaica. The disease begins in the prostate—a small gland in the male body—and can go unnoticed for years before showing signs. Some symptoms include trouble urinating, blood in urine or semen, or pain in the back, hips, or chest. But many men, like Christopher Denny, don’t notice any signs until it was serious.
In February 2022, Christopher did a routine check-up. His PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test showed a level of 5.75, which was higher than his earlier 4.47 result in 2021. His Gleason score was 3+3. These were warning signs, but Christopher ignored them, partly due to financial stress and family duties.
By March 2024, when he finally did another PSA test, the number had jumped to 16.0. By July, it was 24.5, and the Gleason score was now 4+4. Doctors told him he needed treatment right away. The best option was surgery to remove the prostate, even though it came with risks like changes in urination, sexual function, and overall quality of life.
After talking with his doctors and family, Christopher chose a robotic surgery called the da Vinci prostatectomy. This kind of surgery isn’t available in Jamaica, so his family raised funds for him to have the operation overseas in September 2024.
The surgery was a success. Though recovery was painful, he regained key functions quickly. His PSA dropped to zero and has stayed there. He now lives with a lower sex drive.
Today, Christopher feels grateful and committed to helping others. He wants men to be aware of prostate cancer and the importance of early checks and healthy living. He has seen friends die because they waited too long.
“Prostate cancer has no business taking any man’s life,” he emphasized, echoing the words of his urologist.
For Christopher, beating prostate cancer was him choosing life for his wife, his children and himself. His story is a reminder that awareness and timely action can turn a frightening diagnosis into a story of hope.
