Andrin “AJ” Jones got some scary news when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but his experience has pushed him to try to make a difference in other men’s lives now that he’s a survivor.
Jones, a 62-year-old retired Air Force veteran, counts himself lucky that his cancer was caught early enough that it had not spread, so that surgically removing his prostate in 2023 left him healthy. So he wants to spread that good fortune to others by spreading his story about how early testing leads to better outcomes.
“My prognosis was excellent because the biopsy showed the cancer was still contained within the walls of my prostate,” said Jones, who lives in Matteson with his wife, also an Air Force veteran. “Because of early detection, it had not yet metastasized, the risk level was low to intermediate. I was so thankful for that.”
His journey with prostate cancer started in May 2022, when Dr. Lance Wallace, his internist at Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC, ordered a full panel of screening labs, including a prostate specific antigen test. That test revealed he had an elevated level of that antigen in his blood.
After Wallace saw the test result, he waited a few months to recheck the labs, but they were higher. So he referred Andrin to Dr. James Siegert, a urologist and urological surgeon, also with Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC, and practicing with Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, who redid the labs to watch for a trend in elevations.
He did the biopsy several months later and found Stage 2 adenocarcinoma.
“Of course I was alarmed at the diagnosis, but at the same time, it was a good reality check to encourage men to not ignore any symptoms,” said Andrin.
Andrin said he was given a choice of radiation or surgery and opted for the latter.
Siegert said prostate cancer screening was generally recommended for 50- to 60-year-old men at average risk, but for those at increased risk, such as African-American men or those with a family history, the age recommendation drops to 40 to 45. The screening is not usually recommended for men 70 or older.
“Prostate cancer screening is important because it can help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable and potentially curable,” Siegert said. “Early detection through a PSA blood test may allow patients to avoid more serious complications down the line and preserve their quality of life.”
Wallace, Jones’ primary care physician, also encouraged early screening.
“Like anything, the earlier you catch it, the less treatment will be involved in treating the cancer, and the chance for success is greater,” Wallace said.
Jones said there were a few things that helped him get through the experience, including building a strong relationship with both physicians.
“I’m a person of faith, I trusted God with the situation,” he said. “I started going for walks in the morning to mentally process things that were going on.
“Along with my wife, family, and church family, that helped me have a good mental perspective,” he said.
No matter how difficult the ordeal was he often reminds himself, “I had cancer — today I don’t.”
“Being honest and open with other men about prostate screening” has provided a source of strength for Jones, he said. He still does that on regular walks with his comrades.
He also teaches classes on the Bible and is an avid hiker and biker.
Siegert said he was struck by Jones’ resilience.
“Of the hundreds of men I diagnose and treat for prostate cancer per year, Mr. Jones was unique as throughout his treatment, he maintained a remarkably positive attitude, approaching each step with resilience and hope,” said Siegert. “Inspired by his experience, he has become a passionate advocate for prostate cancer awareness and early screening, particularly within the African-American and veteran communities, using his voice to encourage others to take charge of their health.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.