A cancer survivor is urging men who feel afraid to contact him for advice.

Richard Henderson has not only battled prostate cancer, but also lung and throat cancer.

Well aware of men's fears and inhibitions in relation to matters of the prostate, the 55-year-old approached The Royal Gazette wanting to reassure his fellow Bermudians and to tell them he is there for them.

Currently in remission, Mr. Henderson was diagnosed with throat cancer in October 2005, prostate cancer in July 2007 and lung cancer in September 2007.

He has undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy for his throat cancer, surgery on his lungs, and radiotherapy and hormone treatments for his prostate.

Mr. Henderson received 42 radiotherapy treatments at the Lahey Clinic, Boston, in 2007, but a return visit to Bermudian urologist Dr. Charles Dyer later that year did not prove positive.

"My PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) still wasn't where it should have been and there was still blood in my stool," said Mr. Henderson.

He was then prescribed hormone injections to control the production of testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer.

Mr. Henderson has regular three-month check-ups with Dr. Dyer and the signs are he is now on the mend.

"My prostate is doing great now, and I feel great," he said.

"I still need regular check-ups but all the doctors are happy and say I will be able to lead a normal life."

When he was first told he had prostate cancer, at the age of 53, Mr. Henderson said: "I cried a bit, but then I started focusing on God.

"I think with any cancer the key to surviving is your attitude and your motivation. Without that the cancer will set in. You have to change your attitude and motivate yourself."

Being told 21 months earlier he had throat cancer also helped.

"By the time I got the prostate cancer I had already been told about the throat cancer, so knew what to expect," he said.

"It was hard at first but there was no pain or discomfort. It just took a longer time to urinate sometimes.

"My wife Marlene also gave me a lot of love and support. I would not have survived without her."

Mr. Henderson, of Devonshire, is now keen to get the message out that early screening does save lives.

"I think a lot of men are still living in the age where it causes concern, not realising the advances that have taken place in the past 20 years.

"Many don't realise the advances in treatment. A lot of them think you will have to be operated on, but that's not the case.

"It's very important men get themselves checked regularly. By not going and getting PSA tests and DREs (Digital Rectal Examinations) you are robbing your children, grandchildren and families of a future with you."

He said: "I would like to set up a website in Bermuda for men with prostate cancer, where men can log on and talk about their fears.

"And if anyone is in need out there you can always come to me for help. Anyone with any friends or who needs someone to talk to, I am willing to talk to them."

This month The Royal Gazette is teaming up with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness.

On June 27, the Cancer and Health Centre is holding a free PSA screening for men over 40 who have no medical insurance or who have not had a test for 12 months, in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitals Board. It takes place at 46 Point Finger Road between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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

To contact Mr. Henderson, call 332 8976.