There is not a lot of ‘good news’ in a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, but in my case I believe it played a significant role in my receiving an early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Part of the regime in treating my Type 2 diabetes is to have blood tests done every three months to monitor my blood sugar levels. Once a year my family doctor orders more extensive blood tests, such as testing my cholesterol levels, as part of my annual checkup.  And these annual tests include a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test. It is not a conclusive test to confirm prostate cancer, but can be an important baseline moving forward. 

The PSA test originally diagnosed an enlarged prostate (BPH) which is being treated with medication. My family doctor kept checking my PSA in my quarterly blood work and by the spring of 2025, it was clear the results were rising.  I was referred to a urologist and by July, I was booked for a biopsy, CT scan and a MRI, and my journey with prostate cancer began.

A cancer diagnosis did not come as a huge surprise. 

At 86, I am the youngest of 14. Of the 10 who survived to their 40s, five have died of cancer. Of the remaining four siblings, three of us are in cancer treatment. With my age and diabetes, my radiation oncologist did not recommend surgery, so my treatment began with hormone therapy, which lowered my PSA to a level that made me a candidate for a course of 20 radiation treatments. These were designed to give me the highest quality of life without debilitating side effects. My PSA is still being monitored.

The goal is to be like the majority of men who die with prostate cancer, not because of it.

I will likely continue with hormone therapy for the rest of my life. I am continuing to do just about everything I did prior to the diagnosis and treatment. (Although, having cancer was a great justification to hire someone to mow the lawn!)

 And, based on our family history, my 41-year-old son has now had his first PSA test.

JEH in Ottawa, Canada / August 2026