A Scottish masters hockey international has made a remarkable return to the sport, playing in the Over 50s European Championship just 100 days after undergoing lifesaving surgery for aggressive prostate cancer.
In March 2022, Jez Lawson, 50, sought physiotherapy for a sports-related injury. The routine visit unexpectedly led to a series of events culminating in a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which revealed elevated levels.
Despite having no symptoms or family history of prostate cancer, the heightened PSA levels prompted further investigation. An initial MRI scan showed no abnormalities, but vigilant monitoring continued.
“I had no symptoms and felt absolutely fine, it was a shock,” Jez recounted. Trusting his instincts, he advocated for a biopsy in January 2023, which confirmed the presence of high-grade, aggressive prostate cancer.
The diagnosis was a jolt for Jez and his family, including his wife Clare and their teenage children, Evie and Jake. However, a subsequent scan provided a silver lining: the cancer had not metastasized beyond the prostate.
This meant that surgical intervention could potentially eradicate the disease. In March 2023, Jez underwent robot-assisted surgery to remove his prostate at the London Clinic.
“While abdominal surgery is no walk in the park, it was a huge relief for Clare and me to hear that it was curable,” Jez reflected.
The road to recovery
Post surgery, Jez adhered to medical advice, embracing a gradual and measured approach to recovery.
His determination to return to the hockey field fueled his rehabilitation efforts. With the European Masters Championships on the horizon, he embarked on a tailored strength and conditioning programme, supported by a physiotherapist.
The camaraderie and encouragement from his teammates, along with training opportunities provided by his longtime club, Old Georgians HC, and local club, Sevenoaks, played a pivotal role in his journey back to fitness.
Remarkably, just 100 days post-surgery, Jez donned the Scottish jersey once again, taking to the field in the European Championships. His comeback was nothing short of extraordinary; he scored the opening goal in Scotland’s match against France, underscoring his resilience and passion for the sport.
“Before my diagnosis, I like to think I had a pretty good approach to life and what’s really important,” Jez mused. “But this experience has certainly validated that.”
Advocacy and awareness
Jez’s experience underscores the critical importance of early detection in prostate cancer. His story is a testament to how routine health checks and attentiveness to one’s health can lead to early diagnosis, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
Prostate Cancer UK emphasises that early detection can prevent up to 40% of prostate cancer deaths, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
The charity continues to advocate for men over 45 to assess their risk and consider regular screenings.
