The diagnosis came for me at age 48. My family doctor began PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing early, when I was only 40, with my PSA numbers spiking rapidly throughout my forties. I was not surprised by the diagnosis, but I was certainly not expecting it so early.
I was being monitored yearly, as I had a family history of prostate cancer. My grandfather was diagnosed in 1958, treated with a TERP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), but died of prostate cancer at age 73 in 1964. My uncle passed away from metastasized cancer, and my own dad got a biopsy done in 2006, which erroneously returned benign. The following summer, he received brachytherapy treatment. His PSA levels remained low till 2021, when the numbers began to spike once again. He is now 92 years old and living with the disease.
In March of 2024, my PSA level was 4, considered abnormal. I was referred to the Prostate Cancer Centre for a physical exam, where I had an MRI that detected some scarring. They ordered a biopsy, which confirmed the presence of cancer. My Gleeson score was 7, high, due to two separate cancerous areas on diametrically opposite sides of my prostate. My doctor, Dr. Metcalfe, discussed treatment options with me in great detail and, after some reflection, I opted for a radical prostatectomy. The laparoscopic surgery took several hours and went well. I was discharged from the Rockyview Hospital after one night. Recovery was slow and tough, with several trips to the ER to address flailing catheters. My friends and family offered support, brought meals, and took our kids out. Weeks after the surgery, I got the good news: the cancer had not spread outside the prostate, and my levels were once again at zero.
The decision to undergo a prostatectomy was difficult, but I did not want my young children to live with the idea that I was living with cancer and it could one day take me. Knowing that my father had undergone various treatments and yet the cancer still returned also helped inform my decision. The Prostate Cancer Centre offered invaluable support leading up to the surgery. They were there for me during and post-surgery and gave me access to resources like webinars, counselling and the gym for rehabilitation.
By coincidence, in 2002, I had made “Fubar,” a mockumentary film with a storyline that dealt with testicular cancer. (You can see my real dad’s cameo as the guidance counsellor.) I felt so fortunate to be able to share my prostate cancer story with fans of the film on social media to help spread awareness and encourage early detection. Funnily enough, many didn’t know the difference between taking out a ‘big nut’ (prostate) and a small nut (testicle), but being able to joke and inform guys of all walks of life about our male bits cancer risks is now an important part of my life. Sharing my story is my way of helping other men understand that prostate cancer is not something to hide from or feel embarrassed about.
Getting tested early saved my life. My advice to other men is simple: know your family history, talk to your doctor, and start PSA testing sooner rather than later. The earlier it is found, the more options you have, and the better your chances for recovery.
Dave Lawrence is a Canadian actor and producer. He starred as Terry Cahill in the cult classic mockumentary films “Fubar” (2002) and “Fubar II” (2010), and the television series “Fubar: Age of Computer” (2017). His original character, Terry, also starred in two seasons of “Trailer Park Boys: Jail.” Dave stars as Roach in the second and third seasons of Crave’s hit series, “The Trades”. Dave also worked on several occasions as a producer, executive producer, writer, and director. Dave was recognized by Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 and received a Bessie Award for his work on the Government of Nova Scotia campaign “Reasons to Smoke”. Dave also starred opposite Leslie Nielsen in the series “Doctorology” and in comedy films such as “It’s All Gone Pete Tong” and “Goon”. He gained invaluable improvisation training at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary from an early age and was a student of Keith Johnstone, a pioneer in the art form. Dave is currently working on a new series TNT Fubar, which he co-created with his wife, Immanuela and will appear in the upcoming Cody Lightning-directed feature, Smudge the Blades.