David, prostate cancer survivor
• David had an initial diagnosis of prostate cancer.
• He had some symptoms then a blood test showed his PSA numbers were not normal.
• His doctor at the time said they’d use radiation and hormone shots, but the cancer would likely come back.
• Eventually, his doctor referred him to a second opinion and more advanced care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
• David wanted to fight the cancer with everything he had.
• He opted for the best treatment that would let him continue to play golf, so he had surgery.
• David is active today, playing golf and traveling with his wife.
Sally, David’s wife
• She was so stunned by David’s diagnosis because he was always so active and healthy.
• She had no idea he was hiding symptoms and living with it.
• In 2020, she was dealing with her own cancer diagnosis – breast cancer.
• They did a good job of supporting each other, even during COVID when they were isolated.
• She suggests regularly getting checkups and being proactive in your own health.
Dr. Will Parker, urologic oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
• I love it when people ask for second opinions. I'm very happy to facilitate a second opinion.
• No doctor should be offended about you asking about a second opinion.
• For men’s health, we have to normalize talking about issues and seeking care.
• PSA is a blood test and a screening tool for prostate cancer. For most men, screening should begin between 45 to 50. For men who have a strong family history, it should begin at 40.
• The average PSA is around one. As the PSA gets higher, the risk of prostate cancer goes up.
• Prostate cancer is a disease that can come back at any point in time, and so because the screening for follow up – it's just a PSA blood test – it's easy to have men come in once a year throughout the rest of their life.
• Robotic surgery is standard these days – 99 percent of all prostate cancer surgeries now are done robotically, which is a great improvement,
• You have to be active and engaged in your health care, because staying active and staying healthy is a big part of success.
• David had an initial diagnosis of prostate cancer.
• He had some symptoms then a blood test showed his PSA numbers were not normal.
• His doctor at the time said they’d use radiation and hormone shots, but the cancer would likely come back.
• Eventually, his doctor referred him to a second opinion and more advanced care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
• David wanted to fight the cancer with everything he had.
• He opted for the best treatment that would let him continue to play golf, so he had surgery.
• David is active today, playing golf and traveling with his wife.
Sally, David’s wife
• She was so stunned by David’s diagnosis because he was always so active and healthy.
• She had no idea he was hiding symptoms and living with it.
• In 2020, she was dealing with her own cancer diagnosis – breast cancer.
• They did a good job of supporting each other, even during COVID when they were isolated.
• She suggests regularly getting checkups and being proactive in your own health.
Dr. Will Parker, urologic oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
• I love it when people ask for second opinions. I'm very happy to facilitate a second opinion.
• No doctor should be offended about you asking about a second opinion.
• For men’s health, we have to normalize talking about issues and seeking care.
• PSA is a blood test and a screening tool for prostate cancer. For most men, screening should begin between 45 to 50. For men who have a strong family history, it should begin at 40.
• The average PSA is around one. As the PSA gets higher, the risk of prostate cancer goes up.
• Prostate cancer is a disease that can come back at any point in time, and so because the screening for follow up – it's just a PSA blood test – it's easy to have men come in once a year throughout the rest of their life.
• Robotic surgery is standard these days – 99 percent of all prostate cancer surgeries now are done robotically, which is a great improvement,
• You have to be active and engaged in your health care, because staying active and staying healthy is a big part of success.
