Oxfordshire prostate cancer survivor pushes for more informed treatment choices
Christopher Hilton-Johnson urges patients to research options and advocate for themselves
Last updated 5th Mar 2026
A man from Oxfordshire is sharing his personal journey with prostate cancer to advocate for patient choice and informed treatment decisions.
Christopher Hilton-Johnson, who lives near Bicester, was diagnosed after specifically asking for a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test during a routine check-up in 2023 - he had no obvious symptoms.
He was then presented with he option of radiotherapy from NHS services, but declined.
"I thought, no, I'm sorry, I'm 79 years of age, I'm not going to spend what remains of my life miserable from side effects from cancer treatment. So I then started to do the research," Christopher said.
This lead him to proton beam therapy, which he had 20 rounds of at University College London Hospitals - rather than 37 rounds of radiotherapy which he was offered under the NHS.
Christopher’s treatment concluded in early 2025, and he reports no significant side effects, with his PSA levels remaining very low.
Because of his choice to request a PSA test and pursue an alternative treatment pathway, Christopher now encourages other men to voice any concerns and consider their desired outcomes from cancer treatment.
"You tend to be faced by the expert in the field who thinks that the field they're in is the best and they will offer that. So you don't get the broad spectrum of choices," he said.
"You have to do your own research. You really do have to be your own advocate. And if you can get a second opinion, get a second opinion."
Christopher is also sharing his story as new research from Proton International London found 81% of people in Oxford believe minimising treatment side effects should be a primary consideration.
Moreover, almost 1 in 3 respondents were concerned that healthcare professionals may not always provide comprehensive options, and 86% want information about higher-quality care available privately.
Christopher said: "The NHS needs to be aware that it is not a catch -all. The patients are not sheep. They need to be treated as adults who want control and the best information that they can give."
He added that radiotherapy may be the right option for many people and he is grateful for the NHS, but patients should be active in their treatment decisions.
Christopher said he will continue to spread awareness about options for prostate cancer and empowering patients, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed choices.