PLEASE DO THIS

Yesterday, at the other side of my world, a funeral service was held for my friend David. Our families had shared holidays together throughout our childhood. They provided so many happy memories to last throughout our adult lives.

Mostly we recalled the exploits of David and my elder brother, Stuart; adventures involving improvised go-carts, oil-drum rafts and apple-pie beds.

David and his wife, Ann, moved to New Zealand many years ago when their boys were young. It was the ideal country, providing the outdoor life that David loved. He led a very healthy, active life and I doubt that, like many men, he ever felt it necessary to undergo health checks. He was diagnosed as having prostrate cancer at too late a stage for successful treatment.

When I asked my brother if he had taken the simple test for this disease, he responded with a shudder and said, "No!"

Our doctor is a quiet, serious and thorough lady. The first time Himself had the test he pulled down his pants as requested for an examination. "Oh!" he said, "that hasn't happened to me since Eton!" He waited for the sound of laughter or an answering witty comment. None came. He pulled up his underpants and trousers and tried to look as though he had never spoken!

Our next door neighbour and several friends have all been identified through early testing as having prostate cancer. All of them have been successfully treated. EARLY testing is the answer, before symptoms become apparent.

PLEASE DO THIS, gentlemen.