Maintracts Managing Director shares his personal experience for Men’s Health Awareness Month
In support of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Maintracts Services Managing Director, Malcolm Osmore, shares his personal story to raise awareness about the importance of regular health check-ups and early detection.
When it comes to health, many of us, especially men, are guilty of the same thing: putting off that trip to the GP. But for Malcolm Osmore, Managing Director at Maintracts Services, that mindset could have cost him his life.
This year, Malcolm was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a discovery he only made because of a persistent cough that led to a check-up. Now, he’s sharing his story to help encourage other men to take their health seriously, as part of Maintracts’ “Service Your Plumbing Like Your Boiler” campaign for Men’s Health Awareness Month.
Regular Check-Ups That Made All the Difference
“I’m not someone who panics about my health,” Malcolm admits. “But for the last ten years, I’ve been having regular check-ups roughly every 12 to 18 months. I get the full works – a blood test for glucose, cholesterol, thyroid, liver and kidney function, and a PSA test for prostate health.”
Earlier this year, Malcolm went on holiday to the Maldives feeling fine. When he returned, he caught a cold from his son (and fellow Director), Oliver. “It started as a bit of a cough that I thought would go away,” he says. “But it just lingered. After three months of coughing, even while lying down, I knew something wasn’t right.”
Reluctantly, Malcolm visited his GP. “The doctor actually laughed when he saw how rarely I’d been in. I’m the type to just ‘get on with it’,” he smiles. “He gave me antibiotics, sent me for an X-ray, and told me to come back if it didn’t clear up.”
When the cough persisted, a blood test followed, and that’s when things changed.
“Your PSA Has Gone Up”
Malcolm’s GP noticed that his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level had risen. “It had been creeping up over the past year, from 5.5 to 9.5,” he explains. “At first it wasn’t a concern, but that increase meant we needed to check it properly.”
What followed were scans and a biopsy. “Out of 18 samples taken from my prostate, 12 were cancerous,” he says. “Thankfully, it was contained on one side, and hadn’t spread. I then had a bone scan, which came back clear - a huge relief.”
He credits the NHS for acting swiftly. “From my first appointment to the consultant calls, everything has been like clockwork. Every time something’s been done, the next day I’ve had a phone call with the next step. I can’t fault them, absolutely fantastic service.”
An Early Diagnosis That Could Save His Life
Malcolm will undergo surgery to remove his prostate on 2nd December. “I’m very lucky we caught it early,” he says. “I had no symptoms whatsoever. If it wasn’t for that cough, I wouldn’t have gone for that test. You never think something like this could happen when you feel fit and well.”
He adds: “A friend of mine had a PSA of 20, and the surgeon told me he’s seen levels over 100. Mine was 9.5, right at the lower end, so we’ve hopefully jumped on it early, before it’s had the chance to cause more damage.”
“You Don’t Die Of It - You Die With It”
Malcolm recalls a saying from an old neighbour: “You don’t die of prostate cancer, you die with it.”
“It’s true for many older men,” he says. “But the danger is when it develops earlier in life, in your 40s and 50s, when it can go unnoticed for years. That’s why regular check-ups are so important.”
He wants to challenge the idea that men should just “tough it out.”
“Our general attitude is that we’re macho and don’t need to see the doctor,” he says. “You can get away with that when you’re young, but not forever. If something lasts longer than it should, get it checked. It’s not weakness, it’s smart maintenance.”
Gratitude and Perspective
Breaking the news to his family wasn’t easy. “My older brother’s had prostate cancer, and my mum died of cancer, so it was a bit of a shock for everyone,” he shares. “But my family and friends have been brilliant, I’ve had so much love and support.”
He’s also grateful for the care he’s received. “The NHS has been first class. People sometimes knock it, but my experience so far has been amazing. Even down to choosing which surgeon I wanted, I don’t think private care could have been any quicker.”
“Book It Like You Book Your MOT”
As Maintracts raises awareness this November, Malcolm’s message is simple: don’t put it off.
“Early detection is key,” he says. “Pop a reminder in your calendar, just like you do for your car MOT, dentist visit, or boiler service, to book your check-up. It could save your life.”
His operation is set for early December, and he’s optimistic about the future. “All being well, I’ll be ship-shape by Christmas,” he smiles. “I’m just grateful I caught it when I did, I’ve never been more thankful for a cough in all my life.”
A Message from Maintracts Services
Malcolm’s story is a powerful reminder of why this campaign matters so much to all of us at Maintracts.
We’re incredibly proud of him for sharing his journey so openly, and we hope it encourages others to take action, whether that means booking a check-up, checking in on a friend, or simply having a conversation about men’s health.
This November, we’re donating £5 from every boiler service booked with us to Movember, supporting men’s health projects across the UK.
Book your boiler service today — and while you’re at it, book your health check-up too. Because prevention is always better than cure, whether it’s your heating system or your health.