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Article Category: PeopleCare

GregCare

Cancer survivor shares story to advocate for prostate screening

Published on September 22, 2023

Last updated 11:01 AM September 22, 2023

Greg Rodgers with his wife ringing the cancer bell

Picture a big swath of land out in West Georgia. It’s a little wild and a little cultivated, but it’s well cared for thanks to the Rodgers.

“My wife and I are blessed to live on this land,” Greg Rodgers said. “God instructs us to be good stewards of the land and we are dedicated to doing just that. We’re always mowing, planting and tending to fallen trees.”

Photo collage of Greg Rodgers on a tractor and his land

Much like their acreage, Greg sees his body as something that deserves to be maintained with care. And he’s an advocate that other men do the same. Seeing a doctor regularly and getting screened can help identify conditions earlier so they’re more treatable. Greg learned that from his personal experience with prostate cancer, and the team at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center who helped him overcome it.

“It’s not so much my story as the story of the professionals at Wellstar—they’re tremendous people,” he said.

The right tests for an accurate diagnosis

Prostate health is not something to ignore. Greg understands this now after a routine PSA test—a simple blood test—came back abnormal in 2020. When PSA levels are checked regularly and rise over time, they can be a sign of prostate cancer.

Because of his elevated PSA, Greg began monitoring his prostate health and eventually, connected with Wellstar Urologist Dr. Richard Jadick in LaGrange. Dr. Jadick performed a UroNav fusion biopsy to investigate his climbing PSA. During the procedure, an MRI helps accurately target the biopsy location. This biopsy has a low false negative rate, meaning the results are more trustworthy than in the past. Greg’s results came back positive for prostate cancer.

Pursuing personalized, expert care

Because every case of prostate cancer is different, there are a range of options for treating it, from active surveillance (monitoring with imaging) to advanced treatments like robotic surgery and targeted radiation therapy that have fewer side effects than traditional treatments. 

Greg and Dr. Jadick discussed several options, but before Greg made any decisions, Dr. Jadick recommended he see Dr. Robert Taylor, a Wellstar radiation oncologist. 

Greg remembers having reservations about radiation therapy. But once he arrived for the appointment, he felt immediately at ease. “Dr. Taylor is a quiet, confident person with a kind smile,” he said. “He was really good at explaining everything, going through studies and the different procedures. He’s so methodical, so good at answering questions and so patient.”

The option they settled on was a high dose of targeted radiation aimed at the prostate during a shorter treatment course (20 days versus 44). A newer technology called SpaceOAR Hydrogel would separate the rectum from the prostate during treatment, preventing unnecessary radiation exposure—and side effects.

“When it comes to choosing the right treatment, everything is a balance between the risk level and a variety of other personal factors,” Dr. Taylor said. “We want to provide treatment that is the least disruptive and most effective.”

To be sure this was the best plan for Greg, Dr. Taylor requested a second opinion from Mayo Clinic. Wellstar experts have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic specialists through its Mayo Clinic Care Network membership. Wellstar physicians and patients can access eConsults—virtual second opinions—at no additional cost to patients.

Some additional imaging was recommended, which validated Dr. Taylor’s treatment plan. Greg moved forward with his cancer treatment with pure confidence.

They never treated me like a number—rather like I was the only person around. The availability of having such a tremendous facility as the Wellstar Enoch Callaway Cancer Center right here in LaGrange, Georgia was such a blessing. I want people to know that while there are fine facilities elsewhere, I believe this center is among the best.

- Greg Rodgers

Prostate Cancer Survivor

Customized care for a full schedule

Because Greg is heavily involved in his family’s steel fabrication business, he had a shorter radiation course. He began at 8:30 each morning, got to work quickly and never had to miss a day of work.

“With a team of experts completely focused on Greg, we were able to customize care because we understood his situation intimately,” Dr. Taylor said.

Greg said he felt the utmost kindness from all the team members throughout his treatment and that “they never treated me like a number—rather like I was the only person around. The availability of having such a tremendous facility as the Wellstar Enoch Callaway Cancer Center right here in LaGrange, Georgia was such a blessing,” he continued. “I want people to know that while there are fine facilities elsewhere, I believe this center is among the best.”

Honoring his care team

There’s a tradition for patients who complete radiation therapy to ring a bell. When it was Greg’s turn for this memorable moment, he showed up with an armful of roses.

“If you look at the rose, the beauty of the flower distracts you from the thorns on the stem,” Greg told his care team as he handed each a flower. “Your treatment, care, professionalism and kindness served to distract me from the reason for why I was here.”

Greg hopes roses will always remind his Wellstar team of how empathetic, supportive and important they are.

After handing out the flowers, Greg rang the bell. No more prostate cancer.

Photo collage of Greg Rodgers with nurses and family
Pictured on left: Greg presents a rose to Mekissa Strickland, a radiation oncology medical assistant. Middle picture: Sarah Hersey, nurse navigator; Deidre and Greg Rodgers; Kathy Derry, RN, radiation therapy nurse; and Tonya McWaters, clinical administrative assistant, radiation therapy. Pictured on right: Greg hugs Holly Stanelle, radiation therapist.

Advocating for prostate cancer screening

Along with tending the land and working in the family business, Greg has one more role now: advocating for prostate health. He wants men to know that treating prostate cancer is an “easier fix” when it’s found early. That’s why men should meet with their doctor for regular check-ups and PSA blood tests.

“Prostate cancer is a wide spectrum of disease, and sometimes treatment is the best thing to do,” Dr. Taylor said. “The goal is to get screened, assess the risk level and have a conversation with your doctor.”

Take charge of your health with a team of prostate specialists near you.

Tags

West Georgia Medical Center Richard Harris Jadick Robert B Taylor Jr
Urology - 1555 Doctors Drive PeopleCare Cancer Care Mens Health
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Illustration of group of men

Highlights

Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men

Screening for prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and to help provide the best possible outcome. It is especially important for Black men to be vigilant about screening, as they are disproportionately impacted by this cancer.

About 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 white men, according to a report from the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Black men.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at an average risk of developing prostate cancer begin screening when they are 50, but Black men should start earlier—at age 45 if they have no family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 if any of their male relatives have had prostate cancer. Wellstar takes a personalized approach to cancer screenings, with clinicians discussing benefits versus risks of screening and helping patients evaluate their risk.

“Despite many physicians being aware of this and following this practice, Black men continue to be diagnosed with and die from metastatic prostate cancer. This is a trend that desperately needs to be reversed,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Earl Stewart. “We have adequate screening tools that do not even require a digital rectal examination.”

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is more accurate than the digital rectal examination in helping to detect prostate cancer, according to Dr. Stewart. Patients should also discuss family history with their relatives. “Patients knowing their family history is so crucial in having those discussions with primary care physicians to determine the best age at which to start screening,” Dr. Stewart said.

Screening for prostate cancer is as simple as making a preventive appointment with your primary care physician, discussing your family history with him or her, and having a PSA blood test. This test may be performed during an annual physical or wellness visit. Shared decision making between physician and patient is important to discuss your risk, your need for testing and next steps to take if your PSA level is elevated and concerning. Knowing your risk can save your life.

“I know many personally who are near and dear to me who had the disease and who unfortunately died from complications of metastatic prostate cancer,” Dr. Stewart said. “I know many more who lived because they had the conversation and dared to move forward with appropriate screening at the appropriate age.”

Learn more about prostate cancer care at Wellstar.

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Doctor holding model of reproductive system

Highlights

4 Common Questions About Gynecologic Cancer—Answered

The gynecologic oncologists at Wellstar care for women at all stages of life, treating a variety of conditions with compassion and offering advanced care options. Our team are experts in treating cancers such as uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Here, we answer common questions about gynecologic cancer care with the help of Dr. Rosa Miller Polan, a gynecologic oncologist at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center. 

What is a gynecologic oncologist?

Gynecologic oncologists are specialists trained in the multidisciplinary management of patients with cancers of the female reproductive tract. Trained originally in obstetrics and gynecology, gynecologic oncologists treat patients with complex benign gynecologic issues, as well as gynecologic cancer patients who may need surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of different treatments. 

When should you seek care?

Gynecologic cancers have different warning signs. When a person experiences concerning symptoms, a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, should be performed. Cervical and vaginal cancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and pain. The most common warning sign for uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. In postmenopausal women, any bleeding or spotting is abnormal and should prompt an evaluation. 

Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer symptoms include bloating, constipation, pelvic or abdominal pain and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. Vulvar cancer symptoms include itching, burning, discoloration, and new bumps or lumps on the skin outside of the vagina. 

Who is at risk for developing gynecologic cancer?

Women who smoke cigarettes are at elevated risk for cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer development. People who are immunosuppressed and those who have tested positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) are also at increased risk. Genetics can contribute to the development of uterine, ovarian or fallopian tube cancers and these types of cancers can run in families. Obesity and use of hormone replacement therapy can put women at risk for the development of uterine, ovarian and fallopian tube cancers. A history of infertility, endometriosis and pelvic radiation are also risk factors for developing gynecologic cancer. 

What services are available at Wellstar?

At Wellstar, gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive care for patients with gynecologic cancers, including administering chemotherapy and performing surgeries when needed. As high-volume pelvic surgeons, gynecologic oncologists also care for patients who need elective and emergent complex benign gynecologic surgery.

For many patients, robotic-assisted surgery offers a minimally invasive approach with less associated blood loss, shorter hospital stays and fewer post-operative complications. Gynecologic oncologists are some of the top users of the innovative DaVinci 5 robotic surgery platform. Performing complex gynecologic cancer surgeries, minimally invasive or otherwise, requires the type of highly specialized and multidisciplinary teams that work at Wellstar—and an infrastructure of resources to ensure patients have access to best-in-class care in their own backyard.

Learn more about gynecologic oncology at Wellstar at wellstar.org/gyncancer. 

Keep reading
Provider checking patient's blood pressure

Highlights

Team Up with Wellstar to Fight These Men’s Health Issues

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably glued to every game, rooting for your team and analyzing every play. But are you as vigilant with your own health? 

In addition to knowing your health stats—those important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar—you should also watch for health conditions that more commonly impact men. 

An annual physical gives you the opportunity to ask your clinician questions about your health, and you’ll get a few quick, crucial health screenings that can catch issues early and put you on track for staying well.

“See your primary care provider at least once a year to check in on your well-being and stay up to date on essential screenings you may need,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Facia Dew. “Your provider will customize care based on your health history, age and other factors to help you feel your best.”

Take action against illness

Some illnesses are more likely to affect men than women, so men should be especially mindful about taking steps to prevent these issues:

Lung cancer

Men are slightly more likely to get lung cancer—the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 17, while it’s 1 in 18 for women, according to the American Cancer Society. Black men are about 12% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to white men. Decrease your risk of lung cancer by avoiding smoking.

With a low-dose CT scan of the chest, it only takes a few seconds to check in on your lung health. An order from your healthcare professional is required for a lung cancer screening. Contact your Wellstar primary care team or a pulmonologist to discuss if screening is right for you.

Parkinson’s disease

Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to have Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Wellstar neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in helping patients manage this condition.

Kidney stones

The risk of kidney stones is about 11% in men and 9% in women, according to the National Kidney Foundation. You can reduce your risk of kidney stones by staying hydrated and eating a low-sugar, low-sodium diet. Your care team can help you evaluate your risk factors, including personal and family history, obesity and being 40 or older. 

Prostate cancer

While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer and are more commonly affected at younger ages. Men who are 50 or older should ask their doctor about testing, and Black men should discuss testing with their care team at age 45. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should also consider screenings at a younger age, and your healthcare professional will discuss options with you. 

Form healthy habits

According to Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller, men need to stay active and stay away from smoking. He also noted a few lifestyle changes that are sometimes overlooked can make a difference in how you feel.

“What’s often neglected is a full and consistent night’s sleep,” Dr. Miller said. “And keep stress under control—too much stress can negatively impact our immune systems.” 

Find a primary care professional near you.

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