Friends, it’s been a while since I’ve written here, but I want to share something important, especially for men my age and those who love them. Consider this my PSA on PSA testing.

For several years, my PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels have been slowly rising. My primary care doctor referred me to a urologist, and I began annual checkups that often included scans to keep an eye on things. Rising PSAs are often a result of benign growths that produce the same antigen as cancerous ones. For the first few years, mine rising PSA looked like the benign type.

While most prostate cancers develop slowly, not all prostate cancers play by this slow-and-steady rule. In my case, things went from rising PSAs being “something to monitor” to Stage IV-A cancer in just two years. That’s why regular PSA testing matters. It gives doctors a chance to spot problems early; and early detection makes a world of difference.

The good news is that my cancer was caught in time for aggressive treatment to make a difference, allowing a positive long-term prognosis.

Despite the aggressive treatment and the discomforts ahead, I’m leading a relatively normal life:  working, staying active, and spending time with family. My goal with all of this is not just treatment, but years of good life still to come.

I began hormone therapy in June and will continue it for about two years. Next week I begin radiation therapy, in two phases over the coming couple months. None of this is a walk in the park, but I am deeply grateful for an excellent medical team and for the tools available today.

So, my encouragement is simple: if you’re a senior man, or you care about one, please don’t skip your PSA tests. They’re quick, inexpensive, and can save years of healthy life.

Thanks for your concern and support. I’ll report back later with how things are going.