Key points from today’s guests:

Chris Carleton, prostate cancer survivor

• Chris is a fire chief in Washington state who went to the University of Washington Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic before deciding to get surgery for his prostate cancer at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
• He had previously been a firefighter in Kansas City and has family here, so he knew this could be a viable option.
• He didn’t have symptoms, but his PSA levels increased as he had been tracking it and determined it was time to take charge of his own health.
• He opted for surgery over radiation, wanting to have more certainty with removing the prostate.
• Chris said his recovery was quick and his outcomes post-surgery can be credited to his health care team, his faith, and his family.
• He has started a Welcome Home initiative for the community for firefighters to go out into the community and check on people who may be homebound.

Dr. William Parker, urologic surgical oncologist, The University of Kansas Cancer Center

• When you are under 65, a number of four is an elevated PSA, which is a screening tool for prostate cancer.
• As the PSA rises, it reflects a greater risk that prostate cancer could be present.
• When it comes to men who are at risk for prostate cancer, most symptoms are related to the growth of the prostate.
• Chris came in with a thorough understanding of his situation and options, so we were able to get right to a treatment plan.
• Prostate cancer is a graded disease where it increases in aggressiveness. That grading system helps us understand appropriate treatment options.
• I enjoy getting to develop relationships with patients. The decision-making can be incredibly complicated, so it is my job to help them through the process.
• Make sure you take charge of your own health and become your own advocate.

Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Hear from one woman who is living and thriving with breast cancer and how renewing her wedding vows re-energized her.

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