Nobody likes to risk hearing bad news, but sometimes you need to know the truth.
There's a man who confronts this problem every year about this time, urologist Dr. William Clark.
Each fall he goes to a great deal of trouble and expense. He closes his office for regular business and invites any and all men to get free prostate cancer screenings. It's an amazing public service.
Would you care to guess what his biggest frustration is with this worthy endeavor? You're right. Far too few people take advantage of the offer.
I understand why. Nobody wants to learn they have cancer.
Nonetheless, it's far better to learn this news sooner rather than later. I am living proof.
Dr. Clark found my cancer at last year's screening. Because of him I am here to tell you that prostrate cancer isn't a death sentence, provided you find it early. Recently I completed my course of radiation therapy, and it looks as if I'll be around for a long time to come. During the past year I have made scores of visits to various doctors. I've been bone scanned and CAT scanned and MRI'd. I've been blood tested and hormone injected. I've whiled away a fair number of hours in waiting rooms, and it was all well worth it, I assure you.
Despite all the treatments and distractions associated with cancer I missed only a single day of work. I was even able to take my grandson on a trip to Seattle and British Columbia. I started a blog that has nothing to do with cancer, and I managed to increase the audience my radio station reaches by nearly 25 percent.
It's been a terrific year.
Cancer need not stop your life.
In my case it has actually enhanced it. I am far healthier now than I was a year ago, especially in ways that have nothing to do with my cancer.
Before this article appeared almost nobody knew about my diagnosis. In fact, the only reason I am going public now is to try to get more men to attend the free screening.
Chances are you don't have cancer. But if you do you needn't fear the diagnosis. As cancers go, most prostate cancers spread slowly and are highly treatable. If you have to get some kind of cancer then prostate cancer is the one, provided you find it early.
But that doesn't mean it isn't dangerous.
Another broadcaster I knew found out about his prostate cancer way too late. His death was ugly. Early detection is nearly the whole ball game.
So, give prostate cancer the respect it deserves. Look for it at least once a year.
Free screenings at the Alaska Urological Institute in the Alaska Regional Medical Plaza will be offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dr. Clark and his associates put on an elaborate and efficient show. Doctors, nurses, technicians, clerical staff and even the doctor's wife all pitch in to look for cancer in any man who shows up. There's no charge. It's best to call ahead for an appointment at 276-1474, though they handle walk-ins as best they can. Last year, when they found my cancer, I had neglected to phone ahead so I just showed up. They took me in without any delays.
I am told that even among men who make an appointment only about 50 percent show up. I wonder what will become of the guys who didn't come by.
I first heard of this screening years ago when Dr. Clark came by my radio station for an interview.
Dr. Clark did a solid interview, and that morning we filled the airwaves with good advice about the importance of early detection. I took my own advice, and it saved my life.
Maybe this article will save yours.
Get screened.
Rick Goodfellow founded and runs the only all-classical music radio station in Alaska, KLEF, 98.1 FM.
By RICK GOODFELLOW