Prostate Cancer Awareness

In 2022, I received the surprising news that routine blood tests that I had performed by my Internist at my most recent physical examination indicated that my PSA results were elevated. I did not initially realize what that meant, but quickly learned that it was a common screening test used to detach prostate cancer. Though my PSA numbers were not significantly elevated, my doctor recommended a repeat PSA, eventually followed by further studies should my PSA numbers remain high.

I followed his recommendations and the diagnosis of prostate cancer was thereafter confirmed through prostate biopsy (a term that sounds worse than the experience actually was). Prostate biopsy is the definitive test to confirm whether or not cancer is present.

Denial, bewilderment and fear were the first emotions that I experienced. Followed of course by the envitable question of “why me.” My doctors at the University of Pennsylvania were very informative I must say did a very good job at presenting the various options for treatment to me. Due to my age (relatively young for a diagnosis of prostate cancer) and stage of my cancer, and health status (I was pretty healthy but for my cancer diagnosis), my surgeon recommended the removal of my prostate – a procedure known as a radical prostatectomy.

After a period to sort everything out, including consideration of all the options, and discussions with my family and close friends, I made the decision to undergo surgery. It was at this time that I realized that I had become part of a large, but relatively secret society of men – those who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I learned that prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men in the United States. Statistics show that 1 in 8 men in America will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. My personal experience during this time would confirm this for me. As I openly discussed my diagnosis with friends and colleagues, many of them quietly told me about their diagnosis and treatment. Some of these friends I had known for many years, but it was not until now that they told me about their prostate cancer journey. Why? What prevented them from sharing their stories previously. I am sure that each of them had their own reasons, but I am equally convinced that there is a need for more men to be open and free with sharing their experience with the thousands, if not millions, of men who will follow us.

The insights, inspiration and courage of the friends who shared their prostate cancer experiences with me was extremely helpful to me. Therefore, my hope now is to share (with the encouragement of my loving wife) what I have learned and experienced from my prostate cancer journey to date. Yes, I am attempting to rip the veil from our secret society of men and to expose what prostate cancer is like from the perspective of someone who is fighting that battle right now. I invite other men to share their stories on the Hairston Hub section of this website. Hopefully, what follows will help the thousands of men who will join our club in 2023.

– Roosevelt Hairston