THE EARLY DETECTION ADVOCATE

Your PSA Number Could Save Your Life. Do You Know Yours?

Most men over 50 do not know their PSA number. They do not understand what it means. They do not know the right questions to ask their doctors. Joe Dooley survived metastatic prostate cancer because he learned how to advocate for himself. Now he teaches other men to do the same.

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Joe Dooley, prostate cancer survivor and patient advocate

1 in 8

men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer

35,000

men die from prostate cancer every year in the US

Nearly 100%

survival rate when caught early

Joe Dooley recording at his podcast studio microphone

MEET JOE

Hi, I'm Joe Dooley.

I'm in remission from advanced prostate cancer not because I'm lucky, but because I learned how to navigate the healthcare system like my life depended on it. Because it did. Now I teach other men how to do the same.

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FROM DIAGNOSIS TO ADVOCACY

Joe's Journey

Did you know one out of eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer? Neither did I, until it happened to me.

I am Joe Dooley, 65 years old, living in the north suburbs of Chicago. I am a prostate cancer patient in remission from advanced metastatic disease.

The first time I met with my doctor, I did not even know what PSA stood for, and I did not know how important it is to track PSA levels over time.

That ignorance nearly cost me my life. When my PSA levels started increasing, even though they were still considered normal, I did not ask questions. When I was offered active surveillance instead of immediate treatment, I thought I could wait.

When delays pushed my diagnosis back months, I did not push back. I was wrong.

By the time I acted, my cancer had metastasized. What could have been a routine prostatectomy became a complex battle against advanced disease involving radiation, hormone therapy, and ongoing treatment at Mayo Clinic.

The information I have learned and shared with friends has already saved lives through early diagnosis. What is clear could save yours too.

Every year in the United States, approximately 275,000 to 315,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and we lose 35,000 men to this disease. Most of these deaths could be prevented with early detection.

Read Joe's Full Story

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances of getting prostate cancer in your lifetime?

One out of eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. For Black men, this statistic is even higher at one out of four. I have to tell you, these are statistics I didn't know until it happened to me. In the United States, approximately 275,000 to 315,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and sadly, we lose about 35,000 men annually to this disease.

How does family history affect prostate cancer risk?

If you have prostate cancer on your paternal line - your grandfather, father, father's brother (uncle), or brother - you have two and a half times greater risk of developing prostate cancer. You also have an increased risk of getting prostate cancer between ages 40-45. Additionally, if your mother or sister had breast cancer before age 60 or you have the BRCA gene, you have an increased risk for prostate cancer as well. This is information every man needs to know about his personal risk.

What exactly is the prostate and what does it do?

The prostate is part of your reproductive system - a walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid. When you ejaculate, the prostate pushes this fluid into the urethra so sperm will remain healthy and viable and can travel down to complete reproduction. I have to admit, when I first got diagnosed, I didn't know really what it was or what it did. Understanding your prostate's function is the first step in prostate cancer awareness.

What is a PSA test and why is it important for men's health?

A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures a protein produced by your prostate gland in normal prostate cells and prostate cancer cells. If there's one takeaway from everything I've learned, it's this: you need to know your PSA number, be on top of it, and watch for any increases from one test to the next. Even if your doctor tells you your PSA level is normal, any increase should be concerning and requires follow-up.

What should my PSA level be at age 50 and other ages?

While PSA levels vary by individual and age, the most important thing is tracking changes over time rather than focusing on a single number. As a guideline I can refer you to MD Anderson's guide on PSA levels considered to be elevated. Age 59 or younger should be at or below 2.5 ng/ml; Age 60 or older should be at or below 4.0 ng/ml; Again, the most important number to consider is whether you experience a rapid increase from one annual (or more frequent) test to the next. Your vigilance should be triggered once you reach a PSA level of 2.5 at any age. The average PSA for men age 59 and younger is less than 1.0 ng/ml. Watch for rapid and/or significant increases and discuss these changes with your doctor. He or she will likely recommend more frequent PSA tests and/or an additional PSA test to test your free PSA level which can assist in diagnosing whether the change is suspicious for cancer which may require follow up testing by MRI, biopsy and possibly a PSMA PET scan.

How often should men get PSA testing for prostate cancer screening?

PSA test frequency should be discussed with your healthcare provider based on your age and risk factors. From my patient advocacy experience, I emphasize the importance of regular monitoring, especially if you have family history or other risk factors. My story demonstrates how consistent PSA tracking helped detect my cancer at a level which appeared normal according to the values utilized by the lab analyzing my blood test results.

What are the early warning signs of prostate cancer that men miss?

Many men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms at all, which is why PSA testing and regular screening are crucial. My experience as a prostate cancer patient shows that by the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already progressed. This is why I advocate so strongly for preventive screening and knowing your PSA numbers.

What happens during a prostate biopsy procedure?

During a prostate biopsy, the urologist uses an ultrasound-guided instrument inserted through the rectum or a less invasive treatment through the perineum. MRI images of the prostate are also utilized to more specifically guide the biopsy procedure for best results. The prostate is numbed with lidocaine, and tissue samples are taken from multiple areas. In my case, the doctor took 16 biopsy tissue samples. The procedure is mildly uncomfortable, but it's essential for accurate diagnosis. Here's something I want to tell you that doctors don't always mention: blood in your ejaculate after biopsy is normal and expected.

What does a Gleason score mean for prostate cancer patients?

The Gleason Score grades prostate cancer cells from 6 to 10 based on how they look under a microscope. Gleason 6 is low-risk, non-aggressive prostate cancer. Gleason 7 is intermediate risk, and Gleason 8-10 are high-risk. My first biopsy showed Gleason 6, but my second biopsy 8 months later revealed Gleason 7 intermediate risk cancer, which led to my prostatectomy recommendation.

What is a PSMA scan and how does it help find prostate cancer?

A PSMA scan is advanced imaging technology that utilizes the injection of a radioactive material which adheres to the Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen on the wall of the prostate cancer cell which lights up on the PET scan to reveal cancerous areas and/or cancerous tumors. My experience at Mayo Clinic shows how this scan found my recurrent tumor when it was "the size of a pinky fingernail" which could be treated aggressively upon this early diagnosis with ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) and targeted radiation of the tumor and the surrounding field.

How can I better advocate for myself during prostate cancer treatment?

From my patient advocacy experience, I've learned the importance of staying informed about your PSA numbers, asking questions during appointments, and not accepting delays in care. Be proactive about your healthcare and don't let scheduling convenience delay potentially life-saving procedures.

What questions should I ask my doctor about prostate cancer screening?

Key questions include: What is my current PSA level? How does it compare to previous tests? What is my personal risk based on family history? When should I have my next PSA test? If there's an increase, what are the next steps? My experience shows that patient education and engagement with your healthcare provider are crucial for early detection.

Can you live a normal life with metastatic prostate cancer?

Yes, many men with metastatic prostate cancer live their full life expectancy with proper treatment. I am currently in a cured state after treatment for metastatic disease. However, I want to emphasize that metastatic prostate cancer requires ongoing medical treatment and monitoring. The goal is to prevent progression to metastatic disease through early detection and treatment. Prostatectomy which successfully removes the prostate with all cancer contained within the gland results in a total cure. If the prostate is removed when it is too late and a margin is found on the prostate wall, this results in millions of prostate cancer cells being released leading to metastatic disease.

What does it mean to be in remission from prostate cancer?

Being in remission or in a cured state means cancer is undetectable. There is no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease. I am currently in a cured state after radiation therapy targeted at my small metastatic tumor and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (Hormone Therapy which depletes your testosterone level to zero for a prescribed period of time). However, we prostate cancer patients require ongoing PSA monitoring and scanning even in a cured state because cancer can recur at any time. My experience shows the importance of continued vigilance and regular testing.

What advice do you have for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients?

My patient advice for newly diagnosed men: educate yourself about your specific cancer, understand your PSA levels and your Gleason score. Understand your recommended treatment options and don't delay recommended treatments, and remember that many treatment options exist today. Most importantly, understand that early detection and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.

Joe Dooley is a prostate cancer patient sharing personal experience, not a medical professional. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance. This is Joe's personal journey with prostate cancer. Every case is different, and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.

Your PSA Number Could Save Your Life. Do You Know Yours?

Most men fly blind on their most important health decision.

Hi, I'm Joe Dooley.

Picture yourself as the man who catches problems early, advocates effectively for his health, and has the peace of mind that comes from being informed and proactive.

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