You may have noticed. I am very open about my prostate cancer diagnosis.
Here’s the reason: When I was the medical editor of the Chicago Sun-Times 17 years ago, I had what they called a “widow-maker” heart attack. Most people who have these heart attacks die.
I was saved from this freak event because I had exercised for years and built so much “collateral circulation” that I had done a bypass on myself.
(Remember guys. Take care of your ticker. Most of us will die from heart disease, not prostate cancer.)
The cardiologist asked me: “Have you done something good with your life, sir?” I paused. He added: Or maybe you will.”
Hence, I wrote a first-person column about the heart attack for the paper. I got calls and emails from spouses who said they remembered the column, recognized what was happening, and got their spouse to the hospital in time. The column saved lives.
It’ wasa powerful thing. As The Ultimate Power as a witness, I promise only to use that power responsibly.
So when I was diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer and went on AS in 2010, I started writing about my experience. That translated into my column in MedPageToday: https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/apatientsjourney
And now The Active Surveillor.
In any case, I have noticed a trend.
Many guys with prostate cancers prefer not to let their bosses and even family members and friends know that they have The Big C.
I wondered why men—and presumably women—are secretive about their cancers, especially low-risk ones like mine.
If you are a man on AS—presumably safe—can you share with The Active Surveillor your story: why have kept your diagnosis private? Give me your nom de cancer. Write to howardwolinsky@substack.com
Please take this Quick Survey on keeping your prostate cancer a secret.