As many of you know, I've spent much of my life on a bicycle.
Cycling has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of looking after my health. Like many riders, I assumed that staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and logging countless kilometres on the road would keep me ahead of most serious health concerns.
This year, I learned otherwise.
A routine PSA blood test led to further investigations and ultimately a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
The news came as a shock. I felt well. I was active. I was riding. I had no obvious symptoms that would have prompted me to seek medical attention. Had it not been for a simple blood test, my cancer may have remained undetected for years.
Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones.
Because the cancer was detected early, my treatment options were excellent. Following consultations with my medical team, I underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy surgery on May 1. The procedure was successful, and the pathology results showed that the cancer was confined to the prostate, the surgical margins were clear, and there was no evidence of spread to my lymph nodes.
In the world of cancer, those are words you hope to hear.
One aspect of this journey that deserves recognition is the quality of care I received. From diagnosis through surgery, I was impressed by both the professionalism of the healthcare team and the speed with which my case progressed. I benefited from innovative robotic surgical technology and highly skilled medical professionals who guided me through every step of the process.
We often hear stories about the challenges facing our healthcare system, but my experience was overwhelmingly positive. At every stage, I felt informed, supported, and cared for. For that, I am deeply grateful.
The experience has reinforced a lesson that I want to share with my fellow cyclists, friends, and family members: early detection matters.
Prostate cancer often develops quietly. Many men experience no symptoms in its early stages. Feeling fit, healthy, and strong does not necessarily mean everything is fine beneath the surface. A simple PSA blood test can provide information that may lead to early diagnosis and treatment when outcomes are at their best.
I'm not a doctor, and every person's situation is different. But I would encourage every man to have a conversation with his healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening and whether PSA testing is appropriate for them.
The test itself is simple. The potential benefit can be enormous.
This journey has also reminded me how fortunate I am to be surrounded by supportive family, friends, and fellow cyclists. The encouragement I've received throughout this process has meant more than I can adequately express.
As many of you know, I recently published my memoir. In light of this year's events, I decided to donate all royalties from the book to the Canadian Cancer Society. It is a small way of giving back and supporting others who may be facing a similar road.
Today, my focus is on recovery, gratitude, and getting back on the bike.
If sharing my story encourages even one person to schedule a PSA test, have a conversation with their doctor, or seek medical advice sooner rather than later, then it will have been worth telling.
Ride safe, stay healthy, and don't ignore the simple things that can make a profound difference.
I am available and open to chat with anyone on any aspect of my journey to date, because I found speaking with others who have been through it, to be very helpful and supportive.
— Frank....The Tank.
