In early 2025, Gregory White’s blood pressure spiked after spraying pesticide. It prompted him to visit the doctor, a trip that may have ended up saving his life.

“They did some examinations and asked me when was the last time I did a prostate exam,” the 65-year-old recalled. “I said about two years ago, but the doctor told me it should be done every year.”

Initial blood tests showed his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were within the normal range, and he was prescribed medication to manage his blood pressure. However, additional blood work showed a PSA level of 5.6, which is slightly elevated.

Though a physical examination revealed that “the prostate feels good because it’s smooth,” further testing was recommended, as the doctor explained she was unable to determine what was behind the issue.

White was then referred to urologist Dr Dean Wong at Apex Medical Centre. After undergoing both an MRI and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer.

“I was concerned, I never expected that,” he told Observer Online. “But knowing that it is there, I have to deal with it.”

Following an explanation of treatment options by Dr Wong, White opted for surgery over radiation. He did a radical prostatectomy in June.

Dr Wong later confirmed that PSA levels were now undetectable, indicating the cancer had been successfully removed.

Urologist, Dr Dean Wong (Photo: myneohealth)

Since surgery, White has been undergoing functional rehabilitation, focusing on urinary continence and sexual function recovery.

“Up to 90 per cent of persons will regain continence [which is the] ability to hold the urine at 12 months,” said Dr Wong. “So in order to get him in that 90 per cent of persons that will recover continence, that’s why we embark on the early physiotherapy and the Emsella chair.”

The Emsella chair is a specially developed chair which helps treat urinary incontinence and pelvic floor issues.

White is also currently engaged in pelvic floor strengthening exercises and electromagnetic wave therapy to support muscle and nerve recovery. In addition, he’s working on sexual rehabilitation, taking daily medication to improve blood flow and using a penile vacuum pump twice daily to support erectile function.

While he reports no pain from the surgery, he admits urinary leakage remains a challenge.

“I have to wear pull-ups,” he said. “Last two months or month and a half ago I had to have a pad in the pull-ups to hold the urine and if I’m physical during the day I would change like three of those pads for the day, now I’m down to one.”

Dr Wong emphasised that post-surgery results evolve over time.

“When we do these surgeries, the radical prostatectomy, we quote results at one year because anything from before one year is considered early in terms of functional recovery,” Dr Wong said.

White, still in the early stages of recovery, is looking favourably towards his prognosis.