A PUBLICAN from North Yorkshire has become the 3,000th patient to undergo what has been described as an “unsung” form of prostate cancer treatment.

Edward Boynton, 62, who runs the Nag’s Head at Pickhill, near Thirsk, underwent brachytherapy at the Leeds Cancer Centre at St James University Hospital.

Pioneered at Leeds in 1995, the centre has treated more patients this way than any other hospital in the country.

Mr Boynton was given what is known as Low Dose Rate (LDR) brachytherapy, a targeted form of internal radiotherapy and a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer with significant quality of life benefits.

However, it is frequently overlooked as a treatment option because the standards NHS route for patients with suspected prostate cancer is from the GP to the surgeon.

Dr Ann Henry, associate professor in clinical oncology at Leeds University said: “You could call low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy the ‘unsung hero’ of prostate cancer treatment, because the standard NHS referral routes to a surgeon mean that some patients who are suited to receive the treatment don’t really consider it as an option.”

Mr Boynton said: “When my GP referred me to a specialist after a routine health check, I was straight on the phone to a friend who is a retired doctor. He advised me to ask about seed brachytherapy . I was delighted when they told me I was a suitable candidate.”

Patients with suspected prostate cancer are usually referred by their GP to a surgeon. Some will need surgery to remove the prostate and or chemotherapy, which can permanently damage sexual and bladder function. However, many patients are suitable for LDR brachytherapy, day surgery with a much lower risk of sexual and bladder problems.

Mr Boynton was back at work the day after his operation.