A heartbreaking story has emerged about a widow who believes her husband’s death from prostate cancer could have been avoided if healthcare professionals had paid closer attention to his symptoms. Cynthia Dwyer, 67, from Royal Leamington Spa, lost her husband Hugh Dwyer to the disease and blames his accent for the misdiagnosis that led to a delayed diagnosis. Hugh’s symptoms were dismissed as urinary infections by his GP, who struggled to understand him due to his accent, according to Cynthia.
Despite being a health-conscious individual who followed a vegetarian diet and stayed fit, Hugh’s health deteriorated over two years of seeking medical help for what he described as ‘water problems’. When his symptoms escalated to severe pain and vomiting, Cynthia became increasingly concerned and sought further medical advice, but faced challenges accessing the right care promptly. Eventually, after persisting with doctors, Hugh was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones.
Following the devastating diagnosis, Hugh underwent treatments including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite the medical interventions, Hugh’s condition worsened, leading to him fracturing his hip and ultimately passing away within 17 months of being diagnosed. Cynthia now advocates for increased awareness and screening for prostate cancer, especially within Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.
Cynthia’s desire for more accessible information and support within BME communities has led her to establish The Hugh Dwyer Inspirational Foundation, aimed at providing assistance and resources to families facing similar challenges. The foundation seeks to address the disparities in healthcare access and support for minority groups, drawing attention to the importance of timely screenings and proactive healthcare measures in preventing avoidable deaths.
This harrowing account sheds light on the impact of language barriers and cultural understanding in healthcare settings, emphasising the need for healthcare providers to adopt inclusive practices that accommodate diverse backgrounds and communication styles. The call for improved awareness and early detection of prostate cancer resonates beyond Hugh’s story, highlighting the systemic issues that contribute to disparities in healthcare outcomes for marginalised communities.