SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Ronald Killins values physical fitness.
"Always done sports, always worked out," he says.
At 42 he lives an active lifestyle and has good health, but that wasn't always the case. To fully understand his journey, we have to turn the clock back twelve years.
"My dad passed away from a very aggressive form of prostate cancer," Ronald says.
Armed with the information that family history plays a role in prostate cancer, shortly after his father's passing Ronald stepped into the doctor's office.
"Screening involves PSA, so a blood test, and a digital rectal examination and so feeling the prostate and feeling for lumps and bumps in the gland," says Dr. Stephen Lukasewycz, a Urologist at HealthPartners.
Ronald's levels were high. A biopsy was done but no cancer was found. Every six months he got another screening. His levels gradually rose for seven years and that's when another biopsy was done.
"At that point, that's when they found the cancer," Ronald says.
He was 37 years old.
"Everything that I had seen, prostate cancer is something that happens kind of in the later stages of the life and for me to have it at such an early age was a little frightening," Ronald says.
Given his age and family history there were options.
"Active surveillance, which is close monitoring of his prostate cancer, surgery and radiation," says Dr. Lukasewycz. "He ultimately chose to undergo surgical removal of his prostate."
After three days in the hospital Ronald was discharged. It took about four weeks to get back on his feet and begin a reduced workout schedule. At the eight week point he was able to resume his regular lifestyle.
"He is an inspiration to see when he comes back. He's living his life fully, he has no significant side-effects from surgery so that's the best possible outcome we can imagine," says Dr. Lukasewycz.
Every three months Ronald takes a follow up PSA. Every time the results have been negative.
"It's eye opening that life - it could be short. So live it to the fullest," says Ronald.
Determining what age you start screening for prostate cancer is a controversial subject. The American Urological Association recommends screening to start at age 55, but should begin earlier for anyone at greater risk or with a family history.