Understanding Prostate Cancer
- After decades serving others as a NASA flight surgeon, Navy captain, and leading urologic oncologist, Dr. Jeff Jones found himself on the other side of care when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer—an experience that gave him an intimate understanding of the very disease he had spent years treating.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) both recommend 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 screening begin at 50.
- Men who are at high risk of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 45. Men with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer should consider annual screening at 40.
- For men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, there are several treatment options available, and even experienced urologists may offer differing recommendations. One common approach is active surveillance—a “watch and wait” strategy—based on the typically slow-growing nature of prostate cancer. This method allows patients to avoid the potential side effects of more aggressive treatments unless they become necessary.
- If the cancer shows signs of progression or becomes more aggressive over time, treatment can then involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.
- Uncover the inspiring stories in “Men Beating The Odds”—a series that highlights the strength and resilience of men who have conquered prostate cancer and redefined survival. Discover more here.
The retired U.S. Navy Captain, who is now a leading urologic oncologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, received his prostate cancer diagnosis back in 2019 and began treatment right away.
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The original docuseries “Men Beating The Odds,” in which Dr. Jones’ story is featured on video, takes you inside the personal journeys of men facing the challenges of life after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Through open dialogue, personal reflections, and the connection that comes from shared experiences, these stories honor resilience, reshape the idea of survivorship, and remind us that life after cancer can still be rich with meaning and purpose.
After Dr. Jones’ time in the military and at NASA concluded, Dr. Jones made sure to get regular checkups by his personal doctor, leading to a surprising shift in his PSA levels.
Expert Prostate Cancer Resources
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland. When PSA levels are higher than normal, it can be a sign of prostate cancer.
The PSA test is a routine blood test that helps in the early detection of prostate cancer. It’s also frequently used to track the disease and evaluate how well treatment is working after a diagnosis.
Dr. Jones, whose dad was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer at 82, was well aware that the change in his PSA levels was a potential sign of prostate cancer.
After discovering his PSA levels were heightened, Dr. Jones went in for an MRI and a biopsy—which ultimately revealed his high-risk diagnosis.
Dr. Jones explained to SurvivorNet, “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.
“But I am learning more about how to be a good doctor by being a patient. No doubt about it.”
He continued, “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.”
Dr. Jones recognized the “hard part” about him dealing with his own diagnosis is that he “knows too much.” Despite his abundance of knowledge, he’s admitted his cancer journey has taught him how to be a better doctor.
“When we are making rounds with patients. it’s not just enough to stick your head in the door. I think it’s important to come into the room, sit down, and maybe even lay a healing hand on the patient,” he said.
“There’s something about that sensation of another hand on your skin that provides therapy … and a sense of calm and reassurance that you don’t get from just words alone.”
Dr. Jones, who enjoys singing in the Houston Tidelanders Chorus, an A cappella harmony group, concluded, “Whenever you’re undergoing any kind of therapy for cancer, you have to be willing to put up a fight because it’s not going to go easy, it’s going to be challenging, and you can’t give in to the fact that things get hard as the treatment goes on.
“And I think that patients need to hear very clearly and confidently from their physician that there is a high likelihood things are going to be fine in their life.”
Advanced Prostate Cancer Treatment: Options For Recurrence
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, affecting roughly 1 in 8 during their lifetime. Most cases are found in men aged 65 and older.
The disease begins in the prostate, a small gland about the size of a walnut located between the bladder and rectum. This gland plays a key role in producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and helps move sperm.
In the U.S., prostate cancer is commonly detected through regular screening tests. The progression of the disease can vary widely between individuals.
In some cases, prostate cancer is considered “low-risk” because it grows slowly and may not require immediate treatment. For others, the disease can develop more quickly or act aggressively, making treatment necessary. Since prostate cancer can vary greatly from one individual to another, decisions about screening and treatment are tailored to each person’s unique situation.
Alonzo Mourning On How Talking To Friends About His Health Saved His Life
Supportive Questions To Ask Someone Battling Prostate
- How are you feeling today—physically or emotionally?
- Would you like to talk about it, or would you prefer a distraction today?
- Is there anything you need right now?
- What kind of support feels most helpful for you?
- Would it help if I came with you to an appointment or treatment?
Content independently created by SurvivorNet with support from Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp.
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