There's no stopping Edward 'Cheesy' Cheeseman.

He is happy to report he is "doing fine" and leading a normal, healthy life since the removal of his prostate 19 months ago.

Mr. Cheeseman has just finished his working day as a mechanic at Oleander Cycles when we meet to discuss prostate cancer.

The father-of-three, as a survivor, wants to tell fellow Bermudians about the importance of getting tested and taking prompt action against signs of the disease.

Mr. Cheeseman was diagnosed in October 2003 and four years later, following persistently elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) readings, underwent a prostatectomy.

Such a surgical procedure is commonly associated with incontinence and erectile problems, but apart from initial painful bladder spasms, Mr. Cheeseman has suffered no side effects.

"There's been no bad impact whatsoever," he says. "I'm just living a normal life.

"I really didn't think that having my prostate removed, that life would be so normal afterwards.

"I am glad I had it removed. If you don't take the prostate out early, the cancer can go to the bones, so once you know it's there it's best to do something about it right away."

In October, he then underwent seven weeks of radiotherapy at the Lahey Clinic in Boston. Since then his PSA has dropped.

While his doctor has to regularly take blood tests to check on his PSA levels, Mr. Cheeseman is confident.

"The doctor is keeping track of it all the time to see how it is coming down since the radiation. But I am very hopeful because I was never sick, not even for one day, during the radiotherapy process," he says.

"Some people get very tired and have to sleep but I was never like that."

"I just have to wait and see. I can't say 'I'm ok' yet the doctor has to tell me that but I don't have any direct problems. It just takes time because the radiation stays in your body for a while.

"That's why they keep checking with the PSA tests month after month, to see if you're on the safe side."

He is adamant that men must make sure they have their regular blood test and DRE (Digital Rectal Examination).

"I would say to Bermudian men, by the age of 40 I think it is very wise to go and get checked, because you just never know," he says.

"Even if you're feeling good you never really know what's going on inside your body."

Mr. Cheeseman admits: "There are some people who are afraid to go to the doctor because they don't like to go through the process of getting checked. So definitely, they will ignore it.

"I think some people live in denial. Getting checked is simple, it's not as bad as some people believe, and it's for your own safety because if you catch prostate cancer in the early stages then there is a chance of getting rid of it. But if you wait too late, it will take your life."

For more information on prostate cancer, contact the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre on: www.chc.bm or 236 1001.

This month The Royal Gazette has teamed up with the Centre to promote awareness of prostate cancer. On Saturday, June 27, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., anyone over 40 who has not had a test for 12 months or who has no insurance, can get a free PSA screening at the Centre at 46 Point Finger Road.