Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sanberg faced prostate cancer with grace and openness. His goal was to help others. From the diagnosis to the symptoms and ultimate side effects of treatment, Sandberg talked about it all.
He embraced his battle in the way he played on the field, with determination. On a mission not to let his cancer fight be without purpose, even in death he helps others.
Dr. Brian Helfand is a Endeavor Health urologist and prostate cancer expert.
“We are mourning the loss of a true Chicago legend and I think he has really, through his disease and his unfortunate diagnosis, has used this as an opportunity to spread knowledge about the importance of screening for prostate cancer,” he said.
Helfand says the key to early diagnosis is screening with a simple PSA blood test measuring prostate specific antigen, a protein produced in the prostate gland.
“Screening at least at age 55 for average risk individuals is a good starting point. However if you have increased risk, and that risk is defined by a family history of prostate cancer, a family history of other cancers, such as breast, cancer, ovarian, cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, then you may actually qualify for earlier screenings,” he said.
At risk men should consider a screened at age 40.
“It’s a very preventable and treatable disease when diagnosed at early stages,” Helfand said.
Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy are all options for treatment depending on the stage at time of diagnosis and aggressive nature of the disease.
For Sandberg chemotherapy and radiation at first rendered him cancer free but his disease spread. And while he never sought the spotlight, when it came to his cancer, he used his platform to share his treatment journey and spread awareness. It was one of his greatest moves.
The staff at Wellness House in west suburban Hinsdale offer programs to help support patients and their caregivers. What looks like a cozy home is just that for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
“Men talking about their cancer is difficult. A person of note like Ryne helped change that narrative, helped get people talking,” Mike Tilden said.
“They come here and open up, feel listened to, feel they are not alone,” Ellen Nieman said.
It’s how Sandberg helped many feel throughout his own struggle. His fans rallied around him, a critical component in any person’s cancer journey.
“When you have support, outcomes can improve, blood pressure drops, patients feel healthier,” Nieman said.
“It’s a lifeline. Patients’ outlook is so much better knowing they have a place to share. It makes a difference. They feel better when they leave here,” Tilden said.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
