From NASA Flight Surgeon to Cancer Patient
- Dr. Jeff Jones, a former U.S. Naval aviator and NASA physician, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a routine checkup detected a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, which can signal signs of cancer.
- After undergoing prostate cancer surgery and radiation treatment, his cancer later returned (recurrence).
- “Prostate cancer can progress rapidly after diagnosis, but can also become undetectable after curative intent radiation or surgery, only to recur years or decades later,” researchers wrote in the journal Cancer Letters.
- Treatment options for prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. These approaches can be effective but may also lead to side effects such as sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
- The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men at average risk between the ages of 55 and 69 years talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening.
- The American Cancer Society recommends that men at age 50 who are at average risk should begin screening. Men who are at high risk of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40. Men with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer should consider annual screenings in their 30s.
- Jones’ diagnosis, recurrence, and treatment strengthened his empathy for patients and now influences how he practices medicine.
That journey from healer to patient didn’t just change his perspective—it reshaped how he practices medicine and sharpened his ability to meet patients where they are. His remarkable journey is part of “Men Beating The Odds,” an inspiring 12-part documentary series highlighting real-life journeys of men thriving after a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer.
“For me, serving in the military was the right way to serve my country,” Jones said.
As a NASA flight surgeon, Jones was responsible for ensuring astronauts were medically cleared for missions. After years of helping others reach the stars, he turned his focus to more grounded work—treating patients with urologic cancers at Baylor College of Medicine.
Then came the unexpected turn.
“I had assumed that as long as I was doing my job, taking care of others, that I wouldn’t have to worry about my own health. But that is far from true,” Jones said.
During a routine checkup, Jones’ doctor noticed a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level—a potential early sign of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is very treatable when caught early — and thanks to incredible advances in treatment options, even prostate cancer that is caught in advanced stages can often be managed.
A long-standing prostate screening tool is the protein-specific antigen (PSA) test. This test screens for prostate cancer by looking for larger amounts of protein-specific antigen in the blood. An elevated PSA test does not always mean prostate cancer, but it could indicate a man’s cancer risk is higher or lower.
For Jones, prostate cancer wasn’t unfamiliar territory. His father had faced the disease, too.
“So when my PSA went up, I did think of my father. I got an MRI, and the MRI was very suspicious. Based on that, I had a biopsy, which turned out to be positive for cancer. I was completely surprised by my diagnosis.”
It was in that moment that Jones, the physician, had become the patient.
“I’m a doctor who treats patients with cancer—and I’m a cancer survivor myself.”
Jones underwent surgery and radiation treatment. At first, he felt in control. But then came the recurrence.
“After all of the treatment, I felt like I was on top of these things. I felt like I was pretty much in control of the cancer situation.”
But prostate cancer has a way of returning—sometimes years after treatment.
According to a study published in the journal Cancer Letters, “Prostate cancer can progress rapidly after diagnosis, but can also become undetectable after curative intent radiation or surgery, only to recur years or decades later.”
A study published in the medical journal JAMA followed 1,997 men who had undergone prostate removal surgery. Of those, 304 experienced a recurrence, and about 25% of those cases occurred five or more years after surgery.
Researchers believe that dormant cancer cells can hide in the body for years. The bone marrow, in particular, is considered a key hiding place. This is supported by findings published in the International Journal of Cancer, which noted, “In one autopsy study, approximately 80% of the men who had died from prostate cancer possessed bone metastases.”
Other potential reservoirs for dormant cancer cells include the lymph nodes and the prostate bed—the area where the prostate gland once was—though these are more difficult to study.
“It’s definitely a reversal of roles, and it’s harder to be on this side, in my opinion, than it is on the other side,” Jones explained. “But I am learning more about how to be a good doctor by being a patient. No doubt about it.”
That experience has reshaped how he practices medicine.
“Having gone through the patient experience, I feel like I can relate to the patients much better. I can anticipate their concerns and reassure them in a much better way.”
For Jones, the journey has been humbling—but also clarifying.
“When you get a diagnosis of cancer, you realize that life can be quite short, and you need to take advantage of every possible moment that you can.”
“Anyone who has cancer has a personal journey they have to go through. But from my experience, this fight is worth fighting. There’s always a chance that you could find a path for your cancer that will allow you to live the life you want to live.”
Dr. Jeff Jones is one of the inspiring survivors profiled in SurvivorNet’s upcoming film series “Men Beating the Odds.”
Expert Resources on Prostate Cancer Treatment
- When Is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Used in Prostate Cancer Treatment?
- The Gleason Score Predicts Prognosis and Treatment for Prostate Cancer
- ‘A Relationship Disease’ — SurvivorNetTV Presents: The Power of Emotional Support For Men Handling Prostate Cancer
- ‘A Profound Effect’: Treating Advanced Prostate Cancer With Hormone Therapy
- ‘The Enemy You Know, You Can Prepare For:’ Prostate Cancer Cases Are Rising—Experts Warn of Missed Screenings
What to Know About Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. And thanks to major advances in medical care, even cases diagnosed at more advanced stages can often be effectively managed.
How Prostate Cancer Is Found
Most prostate cancers are detected through routine screening exams. However, prostate cancer doesn’t behave the same way in every man. In some cases, it’s slow-growing and considered “low-risk,” meaning treatment may not be immediately necessary. In others, the cancer can be more aggressive and require prompt intervention. Because of this variability, there’s ongoing debate about when and how often men should be screened.
Who Should Get Screened?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men between the ages of 55 and 69 who are at average risk talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening. Most experts agree that men over 70 generally do not need routine screening.
SurvivorNet experts also advise men to consider personal risk factors—such as family history, genetics, and age—when deciding on a screening plan.
WATCH: What to Look for in Prostate Cancer
Possible Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
While early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, more advanced cases may cause:
- Frequent urination
- Waking up at night to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain in the back, hips, thighs, or other bones
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor about your risk of developing prostate cancer:
- How does my family history affect my risk of developing prostate cancer?
- Are there tests available to determine my genetic risk of developing prostate cancer?
- Based on my history, genetic test results, and other factors, when do you recommend I begin screening for prostate cancer?
- How can I prepare for prostate cancer screening?
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