Elvin Box: Smashing Prostate Cancer Taboos

Originally published: 2021 | Updated: March 2026

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Medically reviewed and updated on: March 20th 2026. 
Authors: Ms Clare Delmar. The Focal Therapy Clinic

What Should Men Know About Prostate Cancer Side Effects Before Treatment?

Who Is Elvin Box and Why Does He Campaign Against Prostate Cancer Taboos?

Elvin Box is a prostate cancer survivor and Movember UK ambassador who campaigns to break the silence around the three most common side effects of prostate cancer treatment: incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and mental health challenges. Diagnosed in 2016 and treated with a prostatectomy, Elvin now advocates for better pre-treatment information so men understand what to expect before making decisions about their care.

At The Focal Therapy Clinic, we share Elvin’s belief that open discussion about side effects is essential. Our patient data shows that focal therapy preserves sexual function in 90%+ of men and maintains urinary continence in 97% of patients (FTC audit, n=265), making informed treatment choices more important than ever.

Clare Delmar:

Hello and welcome to On Focus, brought to you by the Focal Therapy Clinic, where we address issues facing men diagnosed with prostate cancer that are little known, less understood, often avoided and too often ignored. I’m Clare Delmar. Joining me today is Elvin Box, a popular and passionate advocate for men’s health, particularly around issues faced by men with prostate cancer. Elvin, a prostate cancer survivor himself, works closely with Movember UK as a community ambassador and has an active following on social media, where he shares his personal story and works with many others to provide information and support to the prostate cancer community. Elvin, thank you so much for joining me today.

Elvin Box:

You’re more than welcome, Clare. It’s a real pleasure to be here.

How Was Elvin Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer?

Elvin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2016 and underwent a prostatectomy in August 2016. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men in the UK, and 1 in 4 Black men (Prostate Cancer UK). Elvin’s experience of feeling unprepared for the side effects of surgery motivated him to connect with Movember and campaign for better patient information.

His story highlights why early detection and informed treatment choice matter. When prostate cancer is caught early and the tumour has not breached the prostate capsule, minimally invasive options such as focal therapy can treat the cancer while significantly reducing the risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

 

 

 

Clare Delmar:

Elvin, you’re widely known for your mission to eradicate taboos associated with prostate cancer. Can you describe what these taboos are and why they’re so problematic for men and their families?

Elvin Box:

There are quite a few, but I think the three primary ones are incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and mental health. These are issues that many men find very difficult to talk about. The statistics in the UK show that 20% to 25% of men will not reach the age of 65. That is a staggering figure, especially when you compare it to women, where only about 13% don’t reach 65. A lot of that comes down to the fact that men simply don’t talk about their health, and when it comes to things as sensitive as their bladder or sexual performance, the silence is even deeper.

What Made Elvin Advocate for Better Pre-Treatment Information?

After undergoing a prostatectomy, Elvin found that while the physical treatment of his cancer was successful, the emotional and psychological impacts were largely overlooked by his healthcare team. This experience is common: many men report feeling unprepared for the changes in sexual function, continence, and mental health that can follow radical surgery.

This gap in care is one reason why treatment choice matters. At The Focal Therapy Clinic, our consultants ensure patients understand all available options before treatment. For men with localised prostate cancer, NICE-approved focal therapies such as HIFU (IPG424) can preserve sexual function in 90%+ of men and maintain continence in 97% of patients (FTC audit, n=265), offering an alternative to radical surgery that may significantly reduce quality-of-life impact.

Elvin Box:

I wasn’t prepared for the mental health side of it at all. We often talk about the ‘curability’ of prostate cancer, but we don’t talk about the cost of that cure. If you catch it early, it is eminently curable, but if the side effects of that cure include wearing pads or losing your sex life, that takes a massive toll on a man’s identity. I remember sitting in the hospital after my surgery thinking, ‘I’m alive, but who am I now?’ That’s a conversation we need to have before men go into theatre, not after.

What Side Effects Did Elvin Experience After Surgery?

Following his prostatectomy, Elvin experienced incontinence and changes in sexual function — side effects that are common after radical prostate cancer surgery but are rarely discussed openly before treatment. He emphasises that better pre-treatment education about potential side effects can help men prepare for and cope with the changes they may experience.

Side effect comparison: radical prostatectomy vs focal therapy

Outcome	Radical Prostatectomy	Focal Therapy (FTC data)
Sexual function preserved	30-70%	90%+ (FTC audit, n=265)
Urinary continence	80-95%	97% (FTC audit, n=265)
Recovery time	4-6 weeks	1-2 weeks
Hospital stay	1-3 nights	Day-case (home same day)

Source: FTC one-year outcome audit (n=265) and published literature. Focal therapy is not suitable for all patients; suitability is determined by MRI and targeted biopsy assessment.

[Image comparing radical prostatectomy with focal therapy targets]

Clare Delmar:

You’ve also mentioned that the timing of the diagnosis is crucial, isn’t it? Catching it before it breaches the capsule.

Elvin Box:

Absolutely. If the cancer stays inside that little walnut-shaped gland, your options are so much broader. That’s where things like focal therapy come in. I’m a huge advocate for men getting their PSA checked early, especially for Black men who have double the risk. If you catch it early, you might not have to face the radical surgery I had. You can target the cancer and save the healthy tissue around it. That preserves the nerves that control your erections and the muscles that control your bladder. It’s a game-changer for quality of life.

What Advice Does Elvin Give to Men Facing Prostate Cancer?

Elvin’s core message is that men deserve honest, clear information about what prostate cancer treatment will mean for their daily life — before they make treatment decisions. With prostate cancer affecting 1 in 8 men in the UK, open communication about side effects and mental health should be standard practice, not an afterthought.

Elvin encourages men to:

• Speak up openly — discuss incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and mental health with your healthcare team before and after treatment
• Seek peer support — connect with organisations like Movember and online prostate cancer communities to share experiences
• Explore all options — ask about focal therapy and other minimally invasive treatments that may preserve quality of life, including HIFU (NICE IPG424) and NanoKnife IRE (NICE IPG768)
• Prioritise mental health — recognise the emotional toll of prostate cancer and seek counselling or therapy if needed
• Get informed early — understanding potential side effects before treatment leads to better preparation and better outcomes

Why Should Men Discuss Prostate Cancer Side Effects Openly?

Elvin Box’s journey highlights a critical gap in prostate cancer care: the mental health, continence, and sexual function impacts of treatment are often inadequately discussed before procedures take place. By sharing his story and advocating for open conversations, Elvin aims to ensure that every man diagnosed with prostate cancer receives comprehensive information that addresses both physical and emotional needs.

“Not every patient is suitable for focal therapy, and we’re transparent about that. We assess every referral carefully with mpMRI and targeted biopsy before recommending treatment.”

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to understand all your treatment options, including minimally invasive focal therapy that preserves quality of life in 90%+ of men, contact The Focal Therapy Clinic to speak with our specialist team.

Clare Delmar:

A transcript of this interview and links to more information on Elvin and Movember are available in the programme notes on our website, along with further information on diagnostics and treatment for prostate cancer. Please visit www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at The Focal Therapy Clinic. Thanks for listening, and from me, Clare Delmar, see you next time.

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