In 2011, dentist Gard Lauvsnes had a health check, his first in 20 years. His GP said his PSA level was slightly high. "I didn't even know what PSA was," he says.
He asked to be referred to a specialist with long experience in prostate cancer. The answer came quickly: he had prostate cancer, in his early fifties and without a single symptom.
"The cancer was found early, and I have my GP to thank for that."
No symptoms
"You wouldn't have believed it, because I had no symptoms. The drive home was hard," Gard says.
At home he started searching online. What he read about leakage and erection problems after surgery frightened him. At first he did not want surgery at all. Then he started looking at clinics abroad.
In the end he called one of Norway's most experienced robotic surgeons and asked straight out why results looked worse in Norway. The answer was that many patients were operated on too late, and that the surgeon's experience is what decides the outcome. The surgeon had an opening the next day, and Gard said yes.
"What matters is that you know which doctor you get, and that he has done many operations. Those with the most experience get the best results."
From dentist to clinic founder
After the operation, Gard became committed to prostate cancer and early detection. He bought a surgical robot, brought in some of the country's most experienced robotic surgeons and opened a private clinic at Majorstuen. That was the start of CMedical.
"If I hadn't had prostate cancer, I would never have started doing surgery. I was a dentist."
He later sold his dental business. Today CMedical offers women's health, men's health and fertility treatment. But prostate cancer is still what he cares about most.
"Saving as many men as possible is fantastic. Early detection and nerve-sparing surgery are what matter most."
His advice this Movember
"Get a health check. Take a PSA test. And if you have a father, brother or uncle who won't see a doctor, get them to go."
Many fit men over 70 have prostate cancer without knowing it. "If you're 70 and fit, it would be a shame for it to spread. That blood test is a simple insurance."