RACINE, Wis. — It was just before the pandemic when Steve Kells found out his Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] levels were high. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“I had surgery to remove my prostate,” Kells said. “Then there was a period of recuperating that includes frequent blood tests to make sure the levels stay low. With surgery there’s also side effects. Incontinence is one of them.”
Prostate cancer is the second deadliest cancer for men, per the American Cancer Society.
Deanna Birling is a radiology oncology nurse practitioner at Ascension Wisconsin. She said 80% of prostate cancers are found in the early stages.
“That means they have about a 95 to 98% survival rate,” Birling said. “Good statistics if we can find the prostate cancer early.”
She encouraged men to have a discussion with their doctor about prostate cancer screening.
“Around age 40, if they have risk factors, if they have a family history of breast, prostate, pancreatic or ovarian cancers, or a mutation known in their family of the BRCA 1 or 2 gene,” Birling said. “Or if they are African American, they should [be] starting these discussions [around the time they turn 40]. All others without a family history or [who are not] African American [should consider prostate cancer screenings at] about 45.”
Kells encouraged men to visit their doctor routinely because it saved his life. He’s said he is currently two years in remission.
“Things are looking up,” Kells said. “If you ask me on a scale on one to 10, I’m an 11.”
Kells is in his thirteenth year of retirement and he said he’s keeping busy.
“Looks like fun everyday,” Kells said. “I can do whatever I feel like. I have golf to go to. I have a job working at a food pantry a couple days a week. I volunteer there. I take care of everything I have to take care of around the house. Grandchildren, wife, church.”
Throughout his retirement he said he makes sure to visit his primary care doctor for routine exams. And, he spends time helping others.
He spends his retirement helping others at a prostate cancer support group, being a helping hand to those going through a similar journey.
Ascension Wisconsin hosts a prostate cancer support group every fourth Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center Conference Room.
There's a speaker every other month. During the other months,there are group discussions. Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. There are no meetings in July or December. Registration is not needed.
For more information on the support group, contact Annette Matera at 262-687-8597 or annette.matera@ascension.org