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For six years it was on John Jackson’s to-do list.
It’s called a prostate specific antigen test and by the time he got around to it, cancer had inundated his body.
Just before Christmas, Jackson, 60, a Cody real estate agent with two grown daughters, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“I didn’t get one (a PSA test) done for six years,” Jackson says. “Time just got away from me, like it does everyone.”
He didn’t think he needed to worry about cancer �“ after all there’s no family history and he felt healthy. But prostate cancer doesn’t necessarily follow family history.
The disease occurs when cells of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system, mutate and multiply out of control. These cells then spread to other parts of the body, typically to the bones and lymph nodes.
The normal range for a PSA test, which measures an enzyme produced by the prostate, is 1-4.
“By the time I had mine tested, my level was at 258,” Jackson says. “That was extremely high and I was told I probably had cancer.”
A biopsy and bone scan would later verify that he not only had prostate cancer, but that it had started to spread to his bones.
“The prognosis wasn’t good,” he said.
He immediately began treatment. Rather than chemotherapy or radiation treatment as is done with most cancers, Jackson is on Lupron, a hormone blocker that essentially starves the cancer cells.
Since starting treatment Jackson says he is doing better, and some days are better than others.
In an effort to help more men realize the importance of prostate cancer screening, Jackson says he has made it his mission to spread the word to men about the important of testing.
“As inexpensive as it is, anybody who doesn’t do it is stupid,” Jackson says. “The earlier it’s detected the greater the lifespan. It’s really much more treatable than other cancers.”
One in six men will get prostate cancer but with early detection only one in 35 will die from the disease. It’s recommended that men get a baseline PSA at age 40 and annual tests starting at age 50. Men at high risk are encouraged to start regular screening earlier.
For more information on prostate cancer screening contact West Park Hospital Health Check, 899-0693 or healthcheck@wphcody.org.
“It’s one little blood test that could save your life,” Jackson says. “Early detection is the key.”
PSA screenings
PSA blood draws are conducted 7-9:30 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at the rec center. Cost is $25.
Benefit for Jackson on Friday
A Mardi Gras benefit for John Jackson will be 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Silver Dollar Bar.
The event will feature a crawfish boil and silent auctions. Cost is $15 at the door and all funds will go to assist Jackson, who was recently diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
“The support from my friends and the community has been wonderful,” Jackson says. “I’m amazed and humbled by the number of people who are willing to help a complete stranger.”
For more information about the event call Laurie Parker, 527-6757 or 272-8766.
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