Modesty’s danger with prostate cancer

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s adventure with prostate cancer brought back memories.

In early 2005, when I was 55 years old, my family physician noted my rising prostate specific antigen, or psa. She referred me to UnityPoint urologist, Dr. Jonathan Rippentrop. As my psa continued to rise he prescribed a prostate biopsy. It revealed cancer.

He presented treatment options to me and my wife, Marion. We opted for speedy removal of my prostate, an operation called a prostatectomy, which Secretary Ausin recently had. I was off work for about three weeks in recovery.

Dr. Rippentrop continued annually monitoring my psa. About a dozen years after surgery, it again began climbing and a new biopsy detected a cancerous tumor. 38 rounds of radiation put the cancer in retreat. My psa is currently “undetectable.”

Now, 18 years following surgery I remain in good health, firmly believing that my life was prolonged by a combination of outstanding science that developed the psa test and the surgical system, annual physicals, astute physicians, and a decision to opt for speedy treatment.

Secretary Austin brought focus on the second most common male cancer. Women openly discuss breast health and cancer testing, while many men shun discussion about their reproductive system. Tragically, many avoid annual physicals and blood tests that could reveal prostate cancer and other diseases best treated when detected early.

Probably out of false modesty Secretary Austin did not divulge his sensitive diagnosis to his staff or boss, President Biden. Had he done so people would have understood his need to be absent from work. Capable people would have filled in for him.

I followed a different strategy following my cancer diagnosis. That of transparency and role modeling. My wife was completely in the loop. I shared information with my boss -- the Nature Center’s board of directors - and my staff, who were mostly female.

Everyone understood and superbly filled in for me while I was in recovery. No embarrassment. No false sense of modesty. No gossip due to wondering why I was absent from work.

Since my experience with prostate cancer, I urge men to avoid being embarrassed and secretive about medical issues relating to their reproductive system. I urge them to be role models for maintaining good health practices.

Early detection of many diseases is a key to prolonging health. I encourage everyone to get annual physical exams and age and gender appropriate tests. They can be life savers.

Rich Patterson was executive director of the Indian Creek Nature Center for 36 years. He now blogs on windingpathways.com