Herschel's Triumph Over Prostate Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives

For Herschel Johnson of Oklahoma City, the phrase "cancer-free" carries a sense of triumph and relief that only fellow survivors can truly understand. As a 10-year prostate cancer survivor, Herschel is using his experience to spread an important message during September’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: early detection can save lives.

"You can survive it," he said, adding that prostate cancer is a family legacy he's determined to change. "My four brothers, three uncles, and two first cousins all had prostate cancer.”

Dr. Michael Cookson, M.D., MMHC, chief of Urology at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and professor and Chair of the Department of Urology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, also emphasized the critical role of screening in combating prostate cancer.

"Prostate cancer is the number one cancer in men, excluding skin cancers, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men," Dr. Cookson said. "Early detection through screening can reduce the risk of death by 20 to 30%."

Despite these statistics, Dr. Cookson said he has seen a concerning trend in Oklahoma, estimating that less than a third of eligible men in Oklahoma undergo appropriate prostate cancer screening. This number pales in comparison to breast cancer screening rates among women, which exceed 70%.

Dr. Cookson aims to change those statistics.

Breaking Down Barriers to Screening

One of the main barriers to screening has been the misconception about the examination process. Dr. Cookson said the dreaded "finger exam" is no longer necessary for initial screening.

"We really just promote PSA screening," he said, referring to the Prostate-Specific Antigen blood test. "You don't have to have a finger exam. If your test shows that you need further investigation, usually we would go forward with MRI imaging."

This evolution in screening methods is particularly crucial for reaching high-risk populations. African American men, like Johnson, face the highest death rates from prostate cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. Native American men and those with family histories of certain cancers are also at increased risk.

Treatment Options at Stephenson Cancer Center

When Herschel received his diagnosis, he faced a decision about treatment. At OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, patients have access to a comprehensive range of options.

"Treatment options include radiation, which comes in a couple of different forms," Dr. Cookson said. "There's what we call IMRT and that's image-guided treatment with what people think of as conventional X-ray. And we have proton treatment, which is a different type of radiation."

Herschel’s choice was surgery, specifically, a robotic prostatectomy. OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center offers robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy as a treatment option for prostate cancer.

This minimally invasive surgical approach allows patients to undergo surgery and typically return home the next day, experiencing less pain and quicker recovery compared to traditional methods. The center performs over 1,000 robotic surgeries annually, with prostate surgeries comprising a significant portion of these procedures.

The procedure involves a short hospital stay, catheter use for about a week, and then begins the recovery process. Follow-up care includes regular PSA testing and monitoring of urinary control and sexual function recovery.

“They could come to the hospital, have their surgery and go home the next day. It's a minimally invasive approach that allows patients to have less pain and quicker recovery," Dr. Cookson said. “The robotic prostatectomy is a game changer.”

A Success Story Thanks to Screening

Herschel’s outcome exemplifies what Dr. Cookson calls a "trifecta" — success in cancer control, urinary function and sexual function. This positive outcome is directly tied to early detection. His cancer was caught while still contained within the prostate, allowing for more effective treatment without the need for additional therapies.

Despite his ultimate triumph, Johnson doesn't downplay the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.

"It's devastating when you're told you've got the big C," he said. "First, it's denial. Then, 'Why me?' And then eventually acceptance and 'what are you gonna do about it.'"

Herschel credits his military background — 22 years of service with the U.S. Air Force — for instilling the resilience needed to face cancer head-on.

"In the military, there are times that you do things, and you don't know what the outcome's gonna be, but you prepare for it," he said.

A Call to Action to Men of Oklahoma

Both Herschel and Dr. Cookson stress the importance of men taking charge of their health. Dr. Cookson adds that overcoming stigma and encouraging open discussions about prostate health is crucial.

"We need people to see people that look like them, to understand that that could be them," he said, highlighting the importance of representation in health advocacy. "At Stephenson Cancer Center, we offer people at all stages of this discovery and treatment better options than they would get if they were just in a small community hospital.”

The center is also working on innovative approaches to reach more men, including a "genius app" that provides education about prostate health and even offers home screening options.

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center in Oklahoma, a distinction that recognizes its excellence in cancer research, treatment and education. As the state's only academic healthcare center, it offers patients access to the most advanced treatments, clinical trials and a multidisciplinary team of specialists, which is crucial for providing comprehensive, high-quality cancer care and driving innovations in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Living Well After Cancer

Surviving cancer has given Herschel a new appreciation for life and family. He even recently had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at an Oklahoma City Baseball Club game as a representative of prostate cancer survival.

"I’m living well, enjoying life," he said. "It feels great. It really does."

Now, with his focus on family and his grandkids, Herschel continues to serve — this time by sharing his story and encouraging others to prioritize their health. His message is clear: with early detection and proper treatment, prostate cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence.

Dr. Cookson agrees.

“Prostate screening saves lives. You can reduce the risk of death by 20 to 30% if you can catch it early,” Dr. Cookson said. “We are advocating for that, and men are often not going to be the best listeners, so you need to get the message to family, to wives, to sisters, and people who have been through it, to get those stubborn men to come forward.”

While September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, prostate cancer detection is an everyday opportunity to be proactive about protecting health and well-being,

“We encourage men to get screened with a PSA blood test any time of year. Know your number,” Dr. Cookson said.

Find out more about the latest evidenced-based care for prostate cancer or get a second opinion from the urologic oncology experts at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center or speak to an expert by calling (405) 271-4088.