6 minute read

Lee's Mission

Many of us living in Maine know Lee Goldberg as the co-anchor of the Morning Report on News Center Maine on WCSH 6. He’s a successful journalist, husband, father of eight, lifelong Mainer, realtor, New England sports fan, and loves to grill for his family year-round at “Goldie’s Grill.” But if you ask Lee, as a prostate cancer survivor he also wants to be known for his advocacy for prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for people at risk for prostate cancer, and about the non-profit organization he co-founded, Prostate Cancer Maine.

In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates that 299,010 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed, and 35,250 deaths will occur. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men nationally, as well as here in Maine. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US following lung cancer; but thanks to early detection and advances in treatment, there are 3.3 million prostate cancer survivors alive in the US today.

Since being diagnosed at age 52 in March of 2021, Lee has been on a mission to get the word out about PSA testing, which he credits with saving his life. He thanks his PCP, Dr. Timothy Baum of Intermed, for ordering a PSA unbeknownst to Lee, which was done on an existing vial of his blood being used for other routine lab testing. Much to their surprise, the discovery of his elevated PSA was completely unexpected, and it changed his life. The average age for the diagnosis of prostate cancer is 67, and Lee had no symptoms or family history to indicate he was at higher-than-average risk for developing prostate cancer at his young age. Having not taken a sick day from work in 32 years, his diagnosis came as a shock.

Prostate cancer screening, which includes checking PSA levels in the blood, and often digital rectal exam (DRE) of the prostate, is to be an informed, shared decision made between individuals and their health care providers. An elevated PSA does not necessarily mean a person has prostate cancer, it is a piece in a puzzle that may require close monitoring with repeat PSA’s and/or additional testing such as a prostate tissue biopsy.

Routine PSA testing is currently not an absolute standard of care for people with prostates in the healthcare system in the United States. There is also no consensus on the recommended age at which to start prostate cancer screening. The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises individuals at average risk start screening at age 50, but for those with greater risk (i.e. family history of prostate cancer, and black ancestry) should begin as early as age 40. The American Urology Association recommends assessing baseline PSA between the ages of 45-50, with those at increased risk at age 40 (to include those with known genetic mutations). However, the most recent guidance from the US Preventative Services Task Force lists prostate screening with a level C recommendation for the strength of the available evidence, which means it should be an individual decision between the patient and their healthcare provider beginning at age 55 and ending at 69. In Lee’s case, had his PCP waited until he turned 55, his cancer would have gone unchecked for an additional three years.

What makes the screening guidelines controversial is the need to balance risks and benefits of screening. For some, there is an emotional toll associated with screening. The risk of false positive results (i.e. a result that indicates a specific condition is present when it is not), and potential complications due to prostate biopsies can also be a concern. When prostate cancer is diagnosed, there is often a perceived sense of urgency to treat it, which can ultimately lead to treatment-related side effects and overtreatment when treatment may not be necessary. For the overwhelming majority of people diagnosed with prostate cancer, their cancer will not be a threat to their life. If caught early, prostate cancer survivors have the option of observation with enhanced screening, or active surveillance (i.e. close monitoring with the plan to treat if the cancer begins to grow).

Dr Stephen Ryan was a critical care team member for Lee as he began his cancer treatment. Thankfully for Lee, since his cancer was caught early, he had treatment options and flexibility in the timing of addressing his cancer. After monitoring his PSA for approximately a year with active surveillance, a period of time which also included the timing of the birth of his eighth child Theo, Lee selected surgery. Had he taken an urgent, knee-jerk reaction to treating the cancer immediately, his son may not have been brought into the world.

Dr. Ryan shared: "PSA-based prostate cancer screening has prevented many men from developing advanced and incurable prostate cancer. There are downsides to PSA screening, including a possible prostate biopsy or just the anxiety associated with an elevated PSA. A good doctor can have a thoughtful discussion around these risks and I would advocate that every man older than 45 start that discussion with their doctor."

Lee also feels strongly that if your conversations and shared decisions with your primary care provider are not acceptable to you, get a new doctor. If you are eligible for prostate cancer screening, Lee says: “Don’t ask, TELL your primary care provider you want to be screened for prostate cancer.” Feeling heard and supported, as he has through his cancer journey, is critical.

Prostate Cancer Maine has a mission to bring awareness, education and services regarding prostate cancer. They plan to have awareness events coming up throughout the year, with the next event on September 30, 2024, at Dunstan Tap & Table in Scarborough. To stay connected, check out their website at www.prostatecancermaine.org for updated information.

Click below for videos of Lee’s journey:

• NEWS CENTER Maine anchor Lee Goldberg launched prostate nonprofit | newscentermaine.com

• Lee Goldberg: 'How could I possibly have cancer?' | newscentermaine.com

The Goldberg Family
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