David is a real patient and has been compensated by AstraZeneca for his participation in this program
Every year, approximately 15,000 Veterans are diagnosed with prostate cancer.1 In fact, Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than men who have never served in the military.2
Armed with firsthand experience as a combat veteran and survivor himself, David is on a mission to inspire action and empower others in the fight against prostate cancer.
David’s Story
Despite a family history of prostate cancer – both his father and grandfather battled the disease – David never pursued genetic testing and had little understanding of his own risk. It wasn’t until a routine physical in 2019, which included a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, that he received a diagnosis.
With this life-altering news, David found himself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. He struggled to articulate his fears and feelings, which at times left him feeling isolated in his experience. Then, as he navigated his diagnosis and treatment journey, he came to an important realization: opening up about his experience could create a lifeline for others facing similar challenges.
“My grandfather, father and stepfather had prostate cancer. All three of these men impacted my life – however, none of them talked to me about it. They suffered in silence, and I’m here to change that.”
Prostate Cancer Disparities and Risk Factors
More research is needed to understand exactly why Veterans like David are at such an increased risk for developing prostate cancer, but known factors include exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins, such as from the use of burn pits, and service-connected factors for those who serve in aviation.3
Beyond military service, there are also other risk factors to keep in mind that can increase someone’s risk of prostate cancer. These include:
Importance of Timely Screening
Early detection and diagnosis play an important role in the successful treatment and management of prostate cancer.4 Between ages 45 to 50, men should begin to initiate periodic prostate cancer screenings via a PSA test, a simple blood test.5 The chance of having prostate cancer increases as the PSA level increases, so it is important to monitor PSA levels closely as you get older.6
Due to David’s proactivity in receiving his annual health screening, his healthcare provider was able to identify prostate cancer early and worked with David on a treatment plan that was right for him.
David’s Advice – Talking Helps
Today, David is determined to break the silence surrounding this critical issue. He empowers other men to engage in open conversations about their health and to confront the vulnerabilities of prostate cancer head-on.
He encourages all men, regardless of military service, to know their health history and risk factors, and stresses the importance of talking to their doctor about when to begin prostate cancer screening.
“I think as men we just have to move and navigate differently. This is my purpose.”
References:
1. VA National Oncology Program. Prostate Cancer Care at VA. Accessed October 2024. https://cancer.va.gov/prostate.html.
2. ZERO Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer Risk Factors. Accessed October 2024. https://zerocancer.org/risk-factors#vets.
3. ZERO Prostate Cancer. Veterans Prostate Cancer Guide. Accessed October 2024. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/219351375/6/.
4. American Cancer Society. Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early? Accessed October 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html.
5. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection. Accessed October 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html.
6. American Cancer Society. Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer. Accessed October 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/tests.html.