In December 2022, Howard Hepburn’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A man with a medical background and a supportive spouse—his wife, a retired family physician who worked in the cancer clinic in Canmore—Howard was not entirely unprepared for the challenges that lay ahead. However, the diagnosis still came as a shock, altering the course of his and his family’s lives.
Howard’s path to diagnosis began with a routine PSA test, which led to a biopsy and the subsequent discovery of his cancer. Given his medical background and caring encouragement from his wife, Howard sought treatment promptly. “I think my outcome would have been different if I waited even a month longer,” he noted, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection.
Howard underwent a radical prostatectomy in March 2023. Today, just over a year since his diagnosis, he happily reports a PSA level of 0, a significant milestone in his battle against cancer. His successful outcome, he believes, is due in large part to the timely intervention and dedicated care he received at the Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC).
Reflecting on his experience, Howard expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of the PCC staff. “When I think back on the staff at the PCC, everyone was so professional and caring that it was an absolute treat to be in that environment given the circumstances,” he shared. In particular, he fondly remembers Courtney, the nurse who expertly removed his catheter. “Courtney was deadly, man was she good! It may be a weird thing to bring up, but it doesn’t happen very often to a person, and it was very memorable,” he said with a smile.
Both Howard and his wife are passionate advocates for PSA testing. They frequently discuss its importance with others, stressing that many individuals, especially those without regular access to a family physician, might overlook this crucial test. “A lot of people don’t have access to a family physician and skip over the PSA test to their detriment,” Howard explained. He hopes that by sharing his story, more men will recognize the value of PSA testing and seek timely medical advice.
In a time where healthcare systems are facing immense challenges, Howard appreciates the dedication and excellence demonstrated by the PCC. His story is a testament to the impact that compassionate, professional care can have on a patient’s journey through cancer treatment.