A path to peace of mind: Mark’s experience with prostate cancer

Mark has always been proactive about his health. Annual physicals have been a lifelong habit, and by his mid-40s, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, a test for prostate cancer, became part of that routine. The American Cancer Society has guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer; for men at average risk, PSA screening is typically recommended starting at age 45-50.¹

“Everything looked fine for years,” Mark recalled. “But then, in my 50s, my PSA levels started creeping a little higher. They weren’t at an alarming level yet, but they were enough for me and my doctor to start monitoring them more closely.”

A slow rise in PSA levels: Choosing prostate cancer surveillance before surgery

Rather than rushing into treatment, Mark and his care team opted for active surveillance; a decision made in close consultation with both his primary care physician (PCP) and a trusted urologist.

“My PCP and I are friends outside of the clinic,” Mark said. “He always talks in terms of, ‘What would I do if this were my brother?’ That kind of trust made all the difference.”

Every six months, Mark underwent PSA testing. “It was just a blood draw,” he said. “Not invasive, but a constant reminder to stay vigilant.”

Eventually, when his PSA reached an elevated level, his urologist recommended a biopsy. The results confirmed prostate cancer, but it was classified as Grade Group 1—considered low risk.² Additional testing through Labcorp provided further insight into the cancer’s aggressiveness, estimating a 32% chance it could become more serious over time.

“That gave me some peace of mind,” Mark shared. “It wasn’t the news I wanted, but it helped us make informed decisions. I trusted my care team, and with my wife by my side, we made every decision together.”

After years of surveillance and, eventually, a second biopsy, Mark and his care team decided it was time for surgery. For Mark, the surgical procedure required just one night in the hospital, and his recovery went more smoothly than he expected.
“It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be,” he said. “The urology practice was incredible—multiple levels of support, physical therapy and clear expectations. They walked me through everything.”

Looking ahead—for himself and his family’s cancer risk

Though prostate cancer hadn’t affected Mark’s immediate family, he later learned that three great uncles on his mother’s side had been diagnosed, and two had passed away from it. After his own diagnosis, Mark told only his wife and brother.

“My brother is three years younger than me, so it was important for his doctor to know,” Mark explained. “He ended up being diagnosed with prostate cancer, too. He chose to have surgery right away, and he’s doing great now.”

Mark also considered when to tell his son, who was just 18 years old at the time of his own diagnosis. “I didn’t want to worry him, but I knew eventually, he’d need to be aware of the family history.”

To further understand his family’s cancer risk, Mark pursued genetic testing through Invitae. With a family history of prostate cancer that included both his and his brother’s diagnoses, as well as his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, Mark wanted clarity.

“I did the multi-cancer panel with RNA, which looks at about 70 genes,” he said. “The results showed no variants I could pass down to my children. That was a huge relief.”

Why early detection and open communication matters in men’s health

Mark’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of being proactive, being informed about your health and maintaining an open dialogue with your care team.

“As men, we’re not always forthcoming when it comes to talking about our health,” he pointed out. “But having a good relationship with your PCP, working with your care team and having a support system around you make all the difference.”

Mark Cheek is an employee of Labcorp. No compensation or remuneration of any kind was paid in connection with this story.