“I am taking back control of my life. And I am still in the race.”
At 81, Bob Gullett is living with advanced prostate cancer, cancer that has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of his body.
This October, he completed the Head of the Charles rowing event in Boston: a demanding 4.7km course with seven bridges and winding bends. After years away from competition during treatment, he returned to finish seventh in his age category.
Despite years of annual check-ups, Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and had his prostate removed. Around 18 months later, tests showed it had spread, so he began treatment to block the hormones that help it grow.
Returning to something he loves has meant a great deal to Bob. He credits friends and fellow rowers for helping him achieve more than he originally thought possible.
Now, he wants his experience to help improve the future for others: “I have a personal and compelling reason to ask whether we can do better for future patients.”
Following this week’s parliamentary debate, PCR will continue campaigning for fairer access to early detection, including screening supported by evidence about who benefits and which tests work best.
Finding prostate cancer before it spreads can give people more treatment options and a better chance of successful treatment.
Join us in congratulating Bob on his fantastic achievement!
Photo credit: Eric K. Fournier