Keith urges fellow Members to take the simple test that could save their life

As part of our ongoing focus on prostate cancer, Tayside Branch Chair Keith Smith reveals how a chance remark led to him being diagnosed with the disease – and advises fellow Members how to spot it early and take action

(Left to right): Keith Smith, wife Joyce, son Ally and wife Danielle, and daughter Claire at the SELECT 125th Anniversary Grand Ball last November

Hi Keith, how were you diagnosed with prostate cancer?

I’d first noticed something when I was on holiday in Fuerteventura with my wife Joyce and our daughter and son-in-law over New Year 2024. I was going to the loo more often, especially at night, which had been getting worse for a few months. But I was in good shape otherwise and didn’t have any other symptoms, so I didn’t think anything of it – I just put it down to my age. It was only when I got back and was at the doctor for something else that I mentioned it in passing, so he did a PSA test and urine sample.

What happened next?

I thought something might be up because when the test results came back I was sent for an MRI scan in Perth. After the consultant inspected me, he said: “That’s fine.” When I asked what he meant by ‘fine’ he replied: “Oh, you’ve got cancer.” I couldn’t believe it; I’d had no real symptoms and there’s no family history as far as I know, so it didn’t cross my mind at all.

How did you and your family react?

The consultant said my cancer was between Stages 3 and 4 which really floored me and took a bit of getting used to. I told Joyce but we held off telling the rest of the family until we were 100% sure of what was going to happen. As you can imagine, they were shocked – none of us really knew what prostate cancer might mean. It was new to all of us.

What kind of treatment have you had?

After my diagnosis it was pretty full-on and I spent a lot of time at up at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. I initially had 20 sessions of radiotherapy over four weeks, which meant I was in the hospital for a couple of hours almost every day. I also had hormone injections to try and counteract the side-effects. Radiotherapy wasn’t too bad but I did feel tired.

How did it impact your business?

Obviously I had to take some time off and work from home. After being so active it was hard just sitting at my desk – I kind of lost motivation because of the impact of it all.

What about your home life?

I’d been a football referee for boys and amateurs in Tayside for 52 years and had planned to go back to it after a knee replacement. Of course, this then came along so I don’t think I’ll ever go back to it; I’m 73 now so it’s too much. If I’d been fitter it might have been easier but I was never a great one for exercising – it was always a chore. I’ve also had to cut out caffeine and alcohol, so it’s been Heineken Zero ever since the diagnosis and I’m now the designated driver!

What’s been the most difficult part?

The physical side, definitely. The hormone injections caused hot flushes, cold sweats and interrupted sleep, which meant I needed tablets. Trying to get my mind clear was also tough – that word, ‘cancer’, really hit me. However, not everyone is affected the same way, so in some respects I think I was ‘the lucky one’.

Did you know much about prostate cancer beforehand?

I didn’t know anything, so it’s been a steep learning curve but the Maggie’s centre in Dundee were a big help – they talked me through what would happen, which put my mind at rest.

What stage are you at now?

The radiotherapy has stopped and they hope it’s treated the cancer successfully but I’m really in limbo until we know for sure. I still get hormone injections and will need one every 12 weeks for two years, but we all hope that everything’s OK. At the moment I’m just trying to get my fitness back, so I’m doing some exercises in the house and also have an exercise bike. I still feel tired though.

What advice would you have for other Members?

Even if you don’t have any symptoms, if you’re over 50 or have family history of prostate cancer, go for a PSA test AND give a urine sample. It’s really quick and easy and could make all the difference – as I know only too well. I’m just truly grateful for the unwavering support from my family and friends.

Keith, left, with fellow Branch Officers Chic Dobbie and Jim Cooper at the 2025 AGM

Career is a family matter

Keith followed in his father’s footsteps, starting out in the family electrical firm, Davie Electrical Services, at the age of 16.

After serving part of his time with Lowdon Brothers in Dundee, he briefly left the electrical trade for a couple of years and spent two years working in an architect’s office. But he said: “I was inside at a desk all day which didn’t suit me, so I’ve worked for myself ever since.”

The SELECT Member company carries out domestic, commercial and industrial work across Tayside, Fife and Perth – and is now set continue into its fourth generation.

Keith said: “My son, Ally, has served his time and is trained up and waiting in the wings to take over, plus his son Ollie is in his first year Kingsway Tech too.”

He added: “I’ve enjoyed it all, which is why I’m still working, although I’m more desk-bound these days for obvious reasons.

“Being a SELECT Member is  good for training and technical information and it’s good to know that we can always pick up the phone if we need advice."