Founding UFO bassist Pete Way has been given a clean bill of health by doctors following a prostate cancer scare. But his joy after beating the disease is tempered by guilt over his formerly dangerous lifestyle.

Recalling how he initially went to the doctor after spotting blood in his urine, Way told Classic Rock Magazine, "I thought the blood in my pee must have been linked to the drugs I had taken down the years. When they said I had cancer I thought I was going to die. Then," he laughed, "when they told me it was gone, it was a strange anticlimax -- now I can't use the cancer as an excuse for having a sore head."

Way shared how deeply his time in treatment affected him -- and how sharply it redefined his beliefs regarding addiction. "I met some amazing people during my treatment. I had radiotherapy and all that stuff, and I'll never be able to listen to an addict again tell me how hard it is to stop using," he continued. "I'd say, 'You're f---ing mad -- just come down to the cancer club to put it all into perspective.' I'm ashamed when I think of the things I did, testing every drug you can imagine."

Unfortunately, Way added, he's lost touch with some of the patients who inspired him. "I have no idea if some of them are alive or dead. My heart goes out to them and their families. I was so lucky that I had symptoms, because some people don't, and then it can be too late to treat," he concluded. "All men over 50 should go and get tested -- it's a simple procedure and it could save your life."

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