I Took All the Right Steps but Still Developed Cancer

Prostate cancer is real. After watching my good friend and brother firefighter suffer with the disease and having experienced my own diagnosis, I want to share my experience. A simple blood test could save your life.

PSA level

Throughout my life, I always made physical fitness and eating a healthy diet a top priority. As a high school wrestler, weight training and cardio exercise were part of my daily routine. In college, Kelly’s Gym was my second home. I played competitive rugby until I was 28.

Being in peak physical condition played a major role in getting sworn in as a cadet firefighter for the Euclid, OH, Fire Department (EFD). I received the top physical fitness score in my fire training academy.

To withstand the rigors of my firefighting profession, I continued to make physical fitness and healthy eating a top priority throughout my 33-year career.

In 2018, I was 50 years old and just completed my annual physical examination. The EFD participates in the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative. As part of this mandatory, nonpunitive initiative, a comprehensive medical examination is conducted for all uniformed members annually. The initiative cites that prostate cancer is the second-most common type of cancer in men. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters might have as much as a 1.28 times higher rate of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than the general public.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a blood test that’s used for prostate cancer screening. A blood analysis was conducted on me, and the PSA test was included in my lab work. Although recommendations may vary, a normal PSA level for my age was < 4 ng/ml. My results showed a level of 4.4 ng/ml.

My doctor reviewed the results and discussed them with me. He informed me that several medical conditions might cause an elevated PSA level, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. Two other medical conditions that might cause an elevated PSA level include prostatitis and cancer. Other causes include obesity, certain medications, recent sexual activity and certain physical exercises.

My doctor’s plan for my case was to monitor my PSA level each year.

Being a paramedic and familiar with anatomy and physiology, I was aware of the term prostate. However, I wasn’t exactly sure what its primary function is. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It’s located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It adds fluid to semen, and its muscles help push semen through the urethra.

My PSA level continued to slowly rise each subsequent year. In 2021, my PSA level was at 5.6 ng/ml. I had a biopsy performed, and the findings were benign in all cores.

My PSA level reached 8.3 ng/ml in 2023. My doctor prescribed an MRI-guided prostate biopsy.

The diagnosis

In September 2023, one week before I was set to retire, I was diagnosed with Gleason 6 prostate cancer.

Hearing the phrase “You have cancer” was one of the most terrifying and mentally exhausting moments that I have ever experienced. I was only 56 and about to retire. This wasn’t how I wanted to begin the next chapter of my life. It weighed heavily on my mind; it was all that I could think about. As a firefighter, I was accustomed to dealing with stressful situations and having to make difficult decisions numerous times during each tour of duty. I now was prepared to face my battle with prostate cancer.

A team of doctors actively monitored my situation. In September 2024, I had another MRI and biopsy performed. My results were revealed on Sept. 20, 2024, and indicated a Gleason 7 moderately aggressive tumor. Ironically, I was in Colorado Springs, CO, at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial ceremony honoring my close friend and brother firefighter who died from prostate cancer in 2023. Firefighter Mike Richardson was only 51. He is a big reason why I wrote this article.

I immediately scheduled an appointment with my urologist to discuss my treatment options.

As soon as I returned home, I met with my urologist, and we discussed my treatment options. He suggested that I meet with a radiation oncologist to discuss treatment options. After weighing the risks vs. benefits of all of my treatment options, I decided to have my prostate surgically removed. I had surgery on Jan. 17, 2025. I have been recovering nicely and without major complications.

‘Don’t be that guy’

The IAFF states the following in regard to prostate cancer screenings:

·         Uniformed male personnel shall be offered a discussion regarding PSA testing at age 50 and annually thereafter.

·         Uniformed male personnel who are considered to be at risk for prostate cancer, such as those who have a family history of prostate cancer or are of African American heritage, shall be offered a discussion regarding PSA testing starting at age 40 and annually thereafter.

·         Current consensus highlights the importance of measuring and comparing PSA results over time, known as PSA velocity. Where an increase over time would indicate higher risk for prostate cancer, the magnitude of this increased risk should be in accordance with current national urological association guidelines.

When my department initiated annual physicals, we had more than a few members grumble, “What if they find something?” Don’t be that guy. Get your PSA checked.

If your department doesn’t have a program, have your personal physician perform the PSA with the IAFF guidelines.

Practice prevention techniques, such as performing gross decontamination of fire gear at the scene; shower within an hour of returning to quarters; store contaminated fire gear in a plastic trash bag in an outside compartment of the apparatus upon returning to quarters; and wash your gear after every fire.

The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) is an excellent resource. Look them up at firefightercancersupport.org.