Community Views: Proudest Achievements Post Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

For many people, learning they have prostate cancer is one of the hardest experiences of their life. Then, at some point, they face the question of what comes next. The choices they make while fighting cancer or afterward can sometimes be the ones they are proudest of.

To find out more, we reached out to the ProstateCancer.net Facebook community. We asked, “What have you done that you are proud of since being diagnosed with prostate cancer?”

Nearly 100 community members responded. Here is what they shared about their proudest moments.

Encouraged others to get screened

There is nothing like applying your personal experience toward the greater good. Many community members are proudest of their efforts to encourage coworkers, family members, friends, and community members to get screened for prostate cancer.

“I have helped many veterans to get tested for prostate cancer.”

“My husband has spread the word to many. Get that prostate tested!”

Raised money for the cause

Many community members have raised thousands of dollars for the fight against prostate cancer. It felt great to give back and know that their efforts are helping researchers get closer to a cure.

“I volunteer with Run for Dad/ACS to run a 5K/2 mile run/walk to support the fight against prostate cancer. We have raised close to $65,000 every year for almost 20 years.”

“Raised thousands of dollars for prostate cancer research.”

Developed healthy habits

It is no easy feat to overhaul unhealthy habits. Several community members shared that they are proudest of the lifestyle changes they have made to improve their health. These include quitting smoking, quitting alcohol, quitting sugar, losing weight, and exercising regularly.

“I quit smoking and am 4 years clean!”

“I dropped 32 pounds. I now maintain a healthy diet, eat very little sugar, and stay active even when I have no energy.”

“I stopped eating sweets and drinking alcohol. I became more focused on sleep, nutrition, and working out.”

Changed their outlook

A few respondents shared that they value how much their outlook on life has changed. Surviving cancer changes a person, and the experience leads some people to treasure the good moments and live life to the fullest.

“I learned to live each day to the fullest. I learned to be kind to myself. I learned how to not be anxious with things outside of my control (which is 99 percent of everything).”

Completed a big physical challenge

Other community members are proudest of taking on a big physical challenge, such as a huge hike, expedition, or race. Pushing yourself can help you feel motivated.

“Hiked to Annapurna base camp.”

“I finished my first 55K race at the age of 55. It was almost 9,000 feet in elevation.”

Made a career change

The crowning achievement for some so far was saying goodbye to their old careers. This meant switching jobs to something more challenging or rewarding, or simply getting a jump start on retirement.

“I launched a coaching institute.”

“I was elected to the city council.”

“I retired to reduce stress.”

Survived and kept living

The number-one answer given by the community was beating prostate cancer. It is their biggest achievement to be alive, enjoying life every day and not looking back.

“Lived life and stayed positive.”

“Survived six plus years.”

Thank you

We want to say thank you to all the community members who shared their experiences for this story. It is incredibly inspiring to hear all the things you have done that you are proud of.