Brothers urge men to get checked after prostate cancer surgery

Two brothers who underwent prostate cancer surgery just weeks apart at the Royal United Hospital in Bath are urging men with a family history of the disease to book a check-up.

Rob and Dave, brothers who have both had surgery at the RUH | Photo © RUH

David and Robert Taylor both had successful robotic radical prostatectomies, carried out by the surgical urology team using the RUH’s Da Vinci surgical robot.

A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue to treat prostate cancer.

It’s the primary treatment for prostate cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate.

Robert, 67, from Saltford, had his surgery in mid July 2025, while David, 70, from Midsomer Norton, followed at the start of September.

Robert explained how his diagnosis began with a routine appointment: “I went to see my GP for a general check-up and while I was there he suggested that I have a PSA test.”

A PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is a blood test to help check for prostate conditions such as prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate.

“The reading came back high so I was quickly referred to the RUH. I spoke to my brother about it and that’s when he decided to get a test done.”

With a strong family history of the disease, David decided not to delay.

“Our father and uncle both had prostate cancer, so when Robert had his test done and it came back with a high reading I decided to get one done too. My reading was also high so, like Robert, I was referred straight to the RUH.

“You have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer if you have a history of that type of cancer in your family. So if that’s you, please do get yourself a GP appointment and get checked.”

Both brothers were treated using the RUH’s Da Vinci surgical robot, funded by the hospital’s charity, RUHX. The robot helps surgeons to operate on patients with even greater precision, and perform complex procedures with minimal access, while ensuring the highest levels of patient safety.

Thanks to the accuracy of the robotic system, recovery times are improved, and Robert was able to return home just hours after his operation.

“It was incredible to think that I’d just had major surgery and could get home the same day,” he said.

“There was no pressure to get home that day but I felt able to and the medical team were happy for me to get back to familiar surroundings and recover there.

“So my stay at the RUH was actually very brief, but I had a very positive experience from start to finish, the staff were first class.”

David, who stayed in hospital overnight after his surgery, added: “The care I received was magnificent. The consultants, surgeons, nurses – everyone I came into contact with were so caring and supportive.”

As part of the BSW Hospitals Group, the RUH, along with the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and Salisbury District Hospital, now use robots in a range of surgeries including urology, gynaecology oncology and colorectal operations.