Neil's Story - How a routine workplace health assessment helped me catch cancer early
When I joined Bluecrest as Chief Technology Officer in June 2021, I was offered a free ‘Complete’ health assessment as part of my employee benefits package. I was genuinely curious to experience the product we offer, and while I had a few minor concerns about my blood pressure, I considered myself pretty healthy. I’m a keen runner, though at the time, a back injury had slowed me down.
“I thought I was a healthy 50-year-old. I had no idea what was going on inside my body.”
I attended my first assessment in November 2021. I wasn’t nervous at all. The environment was professional and reassuring, and the Health Assessment Specialist was knowledgeable and supportive. They explained every step clearly, which I know would be especially comforting for anyone feeling anxious about having a health check.
“The results showed high PSA levels. At first, I didn’t think much of it.”
When my results came back, two things stood out: my blood pressure was elevated, more than I expected, and my PSA levels were high - something I didn’t know much about at the time. After a little reading online, I actually assumed it might be a false positive.
It took me a couple of months to see my GP, which I did mainly to address the elevated blood pressure, but I mentioned the PSA too. A follow-up test confirmed the elevated levels, and after a few months of addition PSA monitoring, an MRI revealed two growths in my prostate. A later biopsy confirmed it - I had stage 1 prostate cancer.
“Because it was caught early, I didn’t have to rush into anything.”
I chose active surveillance - regular PSA testing plus annual MRI scans to monitor any changes. This year, there’s been a slight movement, and I’ve had a second biopsy. But I feel completely in control and well informed. I know that at some point I’ll need treatment, but I’ve had time to come to terms with it. There’s no emergency, no panic, no need to jump into something without preparation – I’m in the ‘system’ now, I’ll know when it’s time to act. That’s a huge relief - not just for me, but for my wife and family.
Had I not done the health assessment, and discovered this later in life, it could have been a very different story. I’m proud that our product is, quite literally, lifesaving.
“It’s changed how I live. I feel healthier, more focused, and more at peace.”
Since the diagnosis, I’ve made big changes. I’ve cut out meat, gone pescatarian, and eliminated caffeine. We cook almost everything from scratch. I can’t run like I used to because of my back, but I walk every day - especially now that we have our dog, a 1 yr old Australian Shepherd named Dexter, who’s keeping the whole family active. Walking has been great for my mental health too. It gives me space to reflect and stay grounded.
“To anyone considering a health assessment - 100% do it.”
You just don’t know what’s going on inside your body. In my case there were no signs or clues to there being an issue. Even if the results show something concerning, that knowledge gives you power. It gives you peace of mind, and most importantly it gives you time.
I’ve encouraged many others to get checked. The clarity and control I’ve gained from this experience have been game-changing – and potentially lifesaving.
