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A London father who dismissed his nightly bathroom trips as simply drinking too much fluid before bed was shocked to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during a routine health check.
Ed Matthews, an avid golfer and skier who considered himself “fit and healthy,” didn’t think much of waking up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom. “I would wake up in the middle of the night and go to the loo a couple of times, but I never thought too much of it,” Matthews told SWNS.
His outlook changed dramatically in April 2025 when he underwent a routine health screening provided by his employer. The check-up included a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which returned a reading of 4.2 – slightly above the “normal” threshold of 4.0 ng/mL.
While doctors initially described the elevated reading as “nothing too alarming,” they referred Matthews to a urologist as a precautionary measure. When an MRI scan produced inconclusive results, a biopsy was ordered.
Less than three weeks after his initial check-up, Matthews received the life-altering diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“From being a fit human being all your life, your world’s turned upside down,” Matthews said. “It was an emotional shock… No one ever wants to be told they’ve got cancer.”
Matthews underwent robotic surgery to remove his prostate last July. Subsequent tests have shown no traces of cancer, suggesting successful treatment.
Reflecting on the warning signs he missed, Matthews noted, “I never had any issues with blood, but it was about a year or 18 months of going to the toilet more frequently.” He also admitted that before his diagnosis, he “didn’t really know” what the prostate was.
The prostate is a small, firm, partly muscular gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 13 out of every 100 American males will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. The disease claims around 35,770 lives annually in the United States.
Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms, which contributes to delayed diagnosis in many cases. As the disease progresses, however, warning signs may include a frequent or urgent need to urinate (especially at night), weak urine flow, interrupted flow, and blood in urine.
Health experts strongly recommend that men experiencing any of these symptoms consult their healthcare provider promptly. Regular prostate cancer screening is also advised, particularly for men over 50 or those with family history of the disease.
Matthews’ experience has transformed him into an advocate for prostate cancer awareness. He now plans to run the London Marathon to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. His daughter will join him in the marathon, supporting both her father and the cause.
“I was very open and honest and told people what happened, and I think that’s caused a lot of people, friends, connections to go off and get tested,” Matthews said. His candor about his diagnosis has already encouraged many in his social circle to undergo screening.
Matthews’ story highlights the importance of not dismissing persistent urinary changes as insignificant. While frequent nighttime urination can have benign causes, it may also signal serious underlying conditions that require medical attention. Early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
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9 Comments
Frequent nighttime bathroom visits may seem innocuous, but this case shows they can be an important symptom. I hope this inspires men to be more proactive about their health and get regular checkups.
It’s concerning to hear about how quickly Mr. Matthews’ condition progressed from a routine health check to a cancer diagnosis. This underscores the need for more research and education around prostate cancer.
Yes, the speed of his diagnosis is quite alarming. More needs to be done to improve screening and raise awareness of the early warning signs.
Interesting to see that a simple symptom like frequent bathroom visits can be an early sign of prostate cancer. It’s a good reminder to not dismiss any unusual changes in our health, even if they seem minor at first.
Prostate cancer is a serious issue that affects many men, so it’s good to see more awareness around the common symptoms like frequent urination. Hopefully this encourages other men to get checked out if they notice any changes.
Absolutely, early detection can make a big difference in treatment outcomes. It’s great that the article is drawing attention to this often overlooked issue.
While the news is sobering, it’s admirable that Mr. Matthews is sharing his story to help educate others. Increased public awareness could lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes for men.
Prostate cancer is a serious issue that affects many men, so it’s good to see more awareness around the common symptoms. Stories like this can encourage others to get checked out and caught early.
This story highlights the importance of regular health screenings, even for seemingly fit and healthy individuals. Early detection is key for effective cancer treatment.