With the news about former President Biden being diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9 (aggressive, very serious), we wanted to reach out to you.
Essentially, if you respond to fires and are age 40 and above, it is time for annual PSA testing as well as a digital exam (that’s where your very teeny tiny hands doctor passionately goes “in” where you may be used to that being a one-way travelway.)
…The blood test helps determine if you have prostate cancer.
…The digital exam helps determine if you have prostate cancer.
…and you may find out that you do have prostate cancer….
But the thing is, if you do have prostate cancer, not getting tested won’t make it go away-and it will get worse. It is deadly when ignored. Very survivable if you start testing early.
The blood test is nothing.
The finger exam may be a little uncomfortable (we won’t judge you if it isn’t or is), but the bottom line is you will have peace of mind if everything is negative. AND if you ARE diagnosed, you can attack the problem immediately. Either way-you are absolutely better off finding out one way or the other vs avoiding the testing.
We started a website, www.40plusfire.com, specifically focusing on male firefighters aged 40 and above. Please take a look.
Here is a personal piece I did 3 years ago when I got diagnosed.
This Time-My Cancer:
We tend to worry about everyone else in our lives, especially our loved ones and families, and of course, the public vs our own well being. And while the public really won’t miss you.
Take a second and think about your loved ones, kids, spouses, grandkids friends etc, WITHOUT YOU.
See what I mean? …it would suck.
They need you.
Get checked.
Just Do It.
Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.
BillyG
The Secret List 5/20/2025-1140 Hours
