You’re not alone, says survivor
Michael Lintott is setting up a group for men with prostate cancer. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
A Taupō man who has been battling one of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer is now hoping to establish the town's first support group for men with the disease.
By Dan Hutchinson
Michael Lintott was diagnosed after a routine PSA blood test revealed a sudden spike. The isolation he felt throughout his cancer journey is what's driving him to get the group off the ground.
"You feel very alone. A lot of guys sort of don't talk about it — and even with the diagnosis, some don't even share it with their family."
His cancer was detected thanks to his GP scheduling PSA tests. He didn’t even know PSA checks were part of his regular blood tests until the alarm bells went off
His PSA level jumped from a consistent range of about 0.7 to 1, up to 5.4 — above the threshold of 4 that triggers further investigation.
His Gleason score, a measure of cancer aggressiveness graded out of 10, came back at 5+5, or a perfect 10, after surgical removal.
Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Lintott had no symptoms at all.
"You feel fine. Like if you've got a gammy hip, you know you need a hip replacement. It's not like that. It's totally asymptomatic and I would never have known."
After surgery, his PSA levels began climbing again, leading to radiation therapy.
A secondary cancer was later found in a rib, and he completed a targeted course of radiation — three intensive doses over a single week — just weeks ago.
He is now on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which works by starving prostate cancer cells of testosterone.
As a veterinarian with decades of experience, Lintott says the role reversal was difficult.
"In my career I've always been the healer, not the healed. Suddenly you're on the other side of the fence."
The Prostate Cancer Foundation operates support groups across New Zealand, but the nearest ones to Taupō are in Rotorua and Hawke's Bay.
Michael wants to start with a simple, informal coffee group — an easy place where men and their families can connect with others who have been through similar experiences.
"It's kind of an environment where guys can just feel comfortable to talk about it if they wish.
"Sometimes they can have questions they always forget to ask the medical professional when they're there — but you can just have a talk about it and share those experiences."
He already knows several men in Taupō living with prostate cancer, including four he met during a month of radiation treatment in Tauranga last September — all from Taupō, all strangers to each other at the time.
Partners and whānau are also welcome, he says, noting that the ripple effects of a prostate cancer diagnosis can be just as life-changing for families as for the men themselves.
Michael is also working to establish a local ProstFit programme — a structured exercise initiative developed specifically for prostate cancer patients, focused on strength training.
He would like to see PSA testing as standard for men over 50, with testing recommended every two years, and from age 40 for those with a family history.
Men in Taupō interested in joining the support group can contact Michael by emailing taupo@prostate.org.nz or texting 027 458 4770.