Baylor Foundation: EveryMan™

Prostate Cancer Survivor

Jim Hobbs

Online Journal Week 4

One In Six. 17 percent.

That’s how many men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. I am one of the six. The fact is that outside of certain skin cancers, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the U.S. Since I haven’t had a cigarette since I tried it in sixth grade (I had to be cool in my neighborhood back then!), I figure prostate cancer became my number one.

Hitting age 50 three and half years ago was not difficult. I took some ribbing from friends – and even more from my daughters. But all in all, I felt the same. I did begin to look more seriously at my health, and for that, I am very grateful. My regular exams became comfortable. I took an interest in ensuring I knew about the outcomes and tried to exercise a bit more regularly.

As I mentioned in a previous posting, I was sincerely shocked when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. And now, I am very aware of its prevalence, the commercials on TV for over-the-counter medications for enlarged prostate, the frequent media blurbs regarding various kinds of cancer, the announcements about celebrities who have been diagnosed, etc. It’s like buying a particular car in a particular color, and as soon as you start driving it, you notice how many others just like it are on the road!

You should know that if there is one person in your family who has had prostate cancer, you are twice as likely to get it – and if you have two or more relatives, well, you are then close to four times more likely to get it! And the risk increases if any of your relatives were diagnosed before age 65.

So ask your dad, your grandfather, your uncle and cousin. Get the facts.

I encourage everyone to get screened – learn about your health before it’s too late. If you know how many miles are on your car and you don’t know your PSA score, you probably spend more time researching what car to buy than researching your health.

So here’s my challenge to you:

Commit to scheduling an annual physical with your doctor. Get up to date on EVERYTHING. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. You deserve it, and they deserve it.

Vow to make your health a priority.  To make it easier: there’s a Health Pledge available to help you commit.

Print it, sign it and post it where you can see it.

Lastly, let me take a moment to say thanks.

Thank you to Baylor Health Care System and the fine doctors I’ve come to know. I appreciate your professionalism and your patience with me being a patient.

Thank you to my employer, Ernst & Young LLP. It is truly a pleasure working for and with people who truly care about the health and well-being of employees.

Thank you to my four daughters – Annie, Susie, Sarah and Maggie – who have given me great joy as they have grown into wonderful young women. Sorry for all the turmoil caused by this prostate mess! I love you all …

And to Diane – almost 28 years together, and you’re still my best friend. Thank you for being in the way and staying out of the way through all of this. I love you.

Jim