It’s not uncommon upon hearing a diagnosis as serious as cancer for you to feel you’re alone. For men with prostate cancer, the diagnosis can feel even more isolating.
For many men, cancer of the prostate is not an issue they want to talk about, so they deal with it alone.
But, as the second most common cancer among American men, this tactic is not recommended. Fighting such a disease, even one with a high survival rate, should not be undertaken alone.
The fact is that nearly 3 million American men have the disease, so you’re not alone in numbers. If you have compassionate health care professionals, such as the team at the Prostate Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles and loving family and friends in your corner, you’re not alone in support. If you’re a member of a prostate cancer support group, you’re not alone in having enough strength to fight.
The Prostate Cancer Specialists of Los Angeles want you to know that prostate cancer is very treatable, especially when it’s diagnosed in its early stages. But that means you have to get regular cancer screenings and see your doctor yearly once you near 50.
Many who die from this cancer usually were diagnosed too late, diagnosed incorrectly, or treated ineffectively.
Known Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that should compel you to seek medical advice. They include the following:
- Being 50+ years old
- American men of Caucasian or African descent are at the highest risk
- A family history of it (father, brother, uncle, grandfather, etc.)
- Changes in the prostate gland itself
Keep in mind, though, that it’s not a given that you have this cancer even if you have one or more of the above risk factors. However, it’s also important to remember that you’re necessarily not free of this disease because you have none of the prostate cancer risk factors.
In fact, read on to learn about six well-known individuals who have been stricken by cancer of the prostate and you’ll see that the disease can affect anyone. You’ll also see that it’s possible to survive.
No, you’ll see it’s possible to thrive.
Harry Belafonte
Actor, singer/songwriter, and activist, Harry Belafonte beat the disease in 1996. He’s been very gracious in public about sharing his issues with such side effects as incontinence from cancer treatments.
Now at 89 years of age, Belafonte wasn’t always so open about his condition, especially given that opening up about a disease that affects such a central part of a man can be difficult to endure and talk about. However, he now believes that there is nothing to be ashamed about and that having a positive mindset when fighting the disease is vital to your chances of survival.
Ben Stiller
Actor Ben Stiller is a model of why having or lacking cancer symptoms guarantees nothing. Diagnosed in 2014, he had previously shown no symptoms; he also had no family history of the disease.
Stiller only found out as a routine part of a yearly physical. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test showed a high number, and a return test six months later confirmed an even higher number. Eventually, the news was confirmed, after which he had his prostate removed via surgery.
Stiller today is cancer-free, though he continues PSA testing every six months to check for a recurrence. And although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force believes that PSA testing can often lead to overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancers, Stiller is on record stating that PSA testing saved his life.
Robert De Niro
Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro has made a name for himself in portraying tough guys in many of his well-known films. But beating cancer of the prostate in his 60s might be a better barometer for his toughness.
It was detected early enough that, although there are few details about his cancer treatment, he recovered well enough to become a father in 2011 via a surrogate to his wife and him.
Colin Powell
Four-star general (retired) and former Secretary of State, Colin Powell had surgery in 2003 to remove his prostate gland. He is now a vocal supporter of prostate cancer awareness.
Powell is another man whose life was extended – and with continued quality – because he got diagnosed early, a result of a regular prostate screening.
Sir Roger Moore
Actor and philanthropist, Roger Moore, most famous for his role as James Bond, was a noted and self-proclaimed hypochondriac, so being diagnosed in 1993 with prostate cancer, around the age of 65, was his ultimate nightmare. Moore recovered after he had his prostate gland removed via radical prostatectomy.
He later wrote about the health scare and his recovery. It profoundly affected him, as he admitted to being changed forever by the close call.
Moore passed way in May 2017.
Mandy Patinkin
Iconic actor and singer, Mandy Patinkin was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate in 2004 when he was 51-years-old. The diagnosis overwhelmed him, as he was at the same age that his father had died of pancreatic cancer.
Patinkin fully recovered after he underwent a radical prostatectomy. Learn more about this procedure at WebMD.com.
Contact Comprehensive Urology Today
As you can see, cancer doesn’t care about your age, genetics or career. That’s why it’s important to get screened regularly as part of your yearly physical. You can survive and live a fruitful life full of love and fulfillment. To learn more, contact the Prostate Cancer Specialists of Los Angeles online or at 310.341.2557.
Next, read Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer By Maintaining a Healthy Diet