Dad Who Beat Cancer Twice Calls Non Invasive Treatment a Miracle After Life Saving Results
A father of four who triumphed over two cancer diagnoses in just over a year has praised a new non-invasive ultrasound treatment as a “miracle” that saved his life. Stuart Emerson, 60, from Gloucester, Gloucestershire, was first diagnosed with tonsil cancer in August 2022 after feeling discomfort like a “peanut stuck in (his) throat.”
After undergoing grueling chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Stuart was declared cancer-free in early 2023. However, just months later, in November 2023, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Faced with the prospect of a prostatectomy, a surgery that could result in erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, Stuart researched alternative treatments and found the newly opened high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) unit at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), reported by the Mirror.
“I just want to have 2025 without cancer, without doctors,” Stuart said, expressing relief at the prospect of avoiding invasive treatments. “HIFU isn’t suitable for everyone, but I was excited about it, the technology and the medical advances are amazing. I was just relieved that we didn’t have to use knives and there were no side effects for me. It’s cutting-edge and I guess I’d say it’s a miracle treatment, it was fate.”
Stuart’s cancer journey began with a sore throat in summer 2022, which led to the discovery of tonsil cancer caused by HPV. He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy, which left him looking like a “skeleton.” “I lost loads of weight, I wasn’t eating properly, I felt sick, I had ulcers in my mouth – it was hell,” he recalled.
In November 2023, after three biopsies, Stuart was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His options were limited to either monitoring the cancer or undergoing surgery, which could leave him with significant side effects. Concerned about his ability to be present in his children’s lives, Stuart sought out a less invasive treatment and found the HIFU option at RUH Bath.
HIFU uses advanced ultrasound energy to target the prostate without incisions, sparing healthy tissue. Stuart underwent the procedure in September 2024 and had 60% of his prostate treated without the need for surgery. “Basically, they zapped the prostate so that I’ve only got 40% left, but they’ve done it without cutting me,” he said.
The results were promising. By December 2024, Stuart’s PSA levels had dropped by more than 70%, and his levels were now “normal.” His successful experience has led him to work with Prost8, advocating for the expansion of HIFU units in the UK to offer men a life-changing alternative to invasive treatments.
Stuart now encourages other men to get checked and take action. “Men need to wise up and get checked,” he said. “If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for the people who love you.”