WHEN Dave Beesley discovered he had prostate cancer, his first concern was not for himself, but for his wife and family.

The grandfather of four, who is chairman of furniture and stationery supplier B-Line Business Supplies, was diagnosed with the disease just eight weeks ago.

Despite not exhibiting any of the normal symptoms, Mr Beesley decided to opt for a PSA test, a blood test which can measure the level of protein made by the prostate gland and can help in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Some medical experts have claimed the test is unreliable and can give an unnecessarily alarming reading.

But Mr Beesley said that split decision to opt for the test could have meant the difference between life and death for him.

He said: “If I had not had the blood test I wouldn’t have known I had cancer, and it could have spread outside the prostate to other areas. I would recommend to all men, particularly those over 50, to have the PSA test. If we can save one life by spreading that message then that will be a result.”

Mr Beesley has joined the Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group, and wants to encourage other men with the disease to come along with their partners or families.