Ten years ago, John attended a car show at the Grey Eagle Casino. Amid the gleaming cars and buzzing crowd, a blue-and-white-wrapped camper van caught his eye. It was the MAN VAN® offering free Prostate Specific Androgen (PSA) tests.
“Ten minutes later and half a teaspoon lighter,” John laughed, “I had my test done.”
At the time, John was already visiting his doctor regularly for testing but wasn’t receiving much feedback. Taking advantage of the MAN VAN®’s service seemed like a worthwhile decision.
Just two days later, John received a call that changed his life: his PSA levels were elevated. Concerned but proactive, he followed up with his family doctor for another test, which confirmed the high levels.
Though he was experiencing no symptoms—no pain, no discomfort—these results prompted John to undergo further testing, including an MRI and a biopsy. The tests confirmed he had prostate cancer.
“I had no way of knowing my PSA levels were high without that initial test. I felt fine, and that’s the scariest part,” John recalls.
Facing the Hardest Decision
John consulted with his urologist and initially felt certain about pursuing brachytherapy, a targeted form of radiation. However, after reviewing his case, his urologist recommended surgery instead.
“That was one of the hardest parts of my journey,” John shares. “I had set my mind on one path and suddenly had to shift to the idea of undergoing surgery. It was a big mental hurdle.”
Ultimately, John decided on a radical prostatectomy. In just six months, John went from getting tested at the MAN VAN® to becoming cancer-free.
Grateful and Giving Back
Today, John has zero doubts that he made the right decision. He’s back to living the life he loves—biking, golfing, hiking, and embracing every moment.
But John’s journey didn’t end there. The Prostate Cancer Centre became a cornerstone of his recovery and his life. Now, as a volunteer, he shares his experience with newly diagnosed patients, offering them hope and comfort during what can be an overwhelming time.
“I’m so grateful for the care I received and for the chance to give back,” John says. “It’s rewarding to ease someone else’s anxiety and hear them thank me for sharing my story.”
A Message for All Men
John’s experience has made him a passionate advocate for PSA testing.
“Men need to take the opportunity to get tested,” he emphasizes. “I had no symptoms, and if I hadn’t gotten tested, my outcome could have been very different. You owe it to yourself to be proactive. Take your life into your hands—because life is good.”
John’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of early detection and the life-changing work of the Prostate Cancer Centre and the MAN VAN® program.