Government Minister Glenn Blakeney has returned to the Island after prolonged treatment for prostate cancer. Here he talks to ROBYN SKINNER about his health scare, and in a separate article the Minister, whose son was questioned in connection with a shooting incident, gives his views on violence in the community .

His doctor warned him. His wife pleaded with him. Instead he took calls from constituents.

Three years after initial warnings, Glenn Blakeney, the Minister of Environment, Youth and Sport and owner of Hott 107.5, made time for his GP. The results were not good. He had prostate cancer.

That was January last year and since then the 55-year-old father, grandfather of six and successful broadcaster, has spent months abroad at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts, receiving aggressive radiation treatment.

He returned to the Island last month and is now warning men not to ignore their wives and their doctors and to take care of their health.

"I didn't give it (the initial warnings) much priority. I never thought of it. Out of sight out of mind. I felt great (so) I missed my next annual visit a year later," said Mr. Blakeney.

"The only indication is that the prostate is enlarged.

"That's why it's imperative for men to get checked. It could be a life-saving thing; a simple finger test at the general practitioner and he will tell you if you need to see a urologist. It's not that uncomfortable comparatively speaking and it will give you an indication if you should be concerned.

"I feel so stupid not listening to my wife. She would tell me to "go get your test". This is something you don't play around with your health. It was a tremendous ordeal that I wouldn't wish on anyone."

After putting off a doctor's visit for three years, Mr. Blakeney's levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (a tell tale sign of cancer) had risen from the acceptable level of one to three to 33. He immediately booked an appointment with urologist Dr. Charles Dyer and was read, as he put it, "the riot act".

Three hormone shots led up to a stay at the Lahey Clinic for aggressive radiation treatment. The treatments 41 daily regimes required months abroad so he waited for the House of Assembly to adjourn last November.

He left with his wife and 19-year-old son Zeik, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Zeik stayed with his dad throughout the treatments and only returned in January a week before his dad.

Other family members visited for Christmas, but this did not go as planned. Though unrelated to his cancer treatments, he found himself in excruciating pain on Christmas morning.

Rather than open presents with his five-year-old grandson, Jahre, the Minister was in the car with his wife going back to the hospital. He had kidney stones.

Eight hours later he was finally relieved of this additional health scare and ready for his farine pie with family on Boxing Day.

Perhaps surprisingly for someone who has suffered through extreme pain, unknowns and health concerns, he continues to joke, smile and find time to enjoy his grandchildren.

He said: "It is what it is and how damn stupid. But I am an eternal optimist. It's maintaining my positive outlook and doing what I have to do for my family and country.

"I haven't really had time to think about it. I don't worry about my particular circumstances because everyone has a cross to bear. I am not one to think about the worst case scenario. I am more inclined to be positive and keep moving forward."

His family reacted with similar fortitude, love and strength. Mr. Blakeney said the only member to worry was his youngest daughter, but five minutes with her dad and she was laughing and telling her father: "You are so crazy."

While he is back at work and throwing himself back into his Ministry, he is also scheduled to return to the Lahey Clinic in April for a final check-up to examine the cancer's remission stage.

Now he's not taking any chances and the Minister is trying to be more active, is eating more fish and focused on organic and health additions to his diet like Aloe Vera and Paw Paw seeds.

He added: "It's a serious thing. When you have health concerns you have to be proactive. You should do it right away because science and medical techniques are improving every single day if you catch problems early they could be corrected. I am praying and keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be OK."