Early prostate cancer screening could save a man's life

In September 2004, on the eve of surgery to remove my cancerous prostate, I wrote to this newspaper to urge men to become informed of their

risks.

Since September is "Prostate Cancer Awareness" month, I write again to relate my developments and to repeat my message.

Pathology showed that the cancer had escaped the prostate and is now elsewhere — undetermined — in my body. In the time since my surgery, I have had seven weeks of radiation, 24 weeks of a chemotherapy trial and a half dozen bone scans, along with the last 2.5 years spent in hormone therapy. I anxiously await breakthroughs that may provide a cure.

When prostate cancer is detected early, the survival rate is drastically higher. Getting tested is easy; getting treated is not easy. All of my post-surgery treatments may have been avoided had I been tested earlier, perhaps by as little as one month.

Other than skin cancers, prostate is the most prevalent cancer in men. This year, 182,000 men will be diagnosed — equaling the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends a blood test (PSA) and physical examination for prostate cancer starting at 50. Had my doctor not tested me at the age of 44 and found an elevated PSA, I would likely be dead by now. Demand that your doctor test your PSA even if you are under 50. It's important to establish a bench line now.

As men, we tend to ignore our body's warning signs. In my case, my only risk factor and warning was being male. Over the last few years, many of my friends were tested, and have related their PSA scores. Through testing, one friend was fortunate enough to find out about a treatable blood disorder not related to his PSA.

Knowledge is a good thing. Gain some by being tested for prostate cancer. You owe it to yourself and to your family.
John Shaffer
Millstone