Early Detection Saves Bay Shore Man

(Photo: Edward Ryan and his wife, Anne.)

For years, Edward Ryan had been vigilant about his annual physical examinations, recognizing the importance of screenings in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Those yearly checkups were key to Ryan, 69, beating prostate cancer. He credits Catholic Health Services (CHS) for his recovery, having placed himself in the care of one of its several CHS cancer institutes. Each cancer institute places all oncology services under one roof - hematology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, imaging services and an infusion center. The strategy fosters vital collaboration between specialists while enhancing the convenience factor for patients.

After a PSA and subsequent biopsy confirmed Ryan’s prostate cancer, the Bay Shore resident turned to The Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital to explore treatment options. There Ryan met with Chairman of Radiation Oncology Johnny Kao, MD, who recommended a completely non-invasive five-week low-dose radiation plan that started in early 2019 and was administered at the West Islip-based cancer institute.  

“CHS’s prostate program remains at the forefront of technology and medicine,” said Dr. Kao. “Instead of delivering a uniform dose of radiation to the entire prostate as in the past, we can concentrate a higher dose on the prostate tumor seen on MRI while reducing the dose to the normal-appearing prostate and surrounding organs.”  

Ryan was grateful to have found an effective cancer care solution so close to home. He also had good things to say about the Cancer Institute’s staff. 

“Any time I went for treatment, the people at the Cancer Institute made the process easy,” said Ryan. “The level of care I received was terrific. Each session was less than 35 minutes, and once I finished I was on my way home. I had no side effects or any discomfort afterward.”

Ryan’s PSA level was a 6 when a biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer in his prostate. Today, Ryan is healthy, and his PSA level has dropped below 1. 

“I am very fortunate that the cancer was caught early,” he said. “I strongly recommend that men have their annual physicals. That is how my cancer was discovered. The PSA test gave me a leg up and allowed me to avoid a more aggressive treatment if the cancer had been found later.”

While Ryan selected low-dose radiation as his course of treatment, The Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital offers several other options for those with prostate cancer. Among them is the Edge® radiosurgery system, which is equipped with a robotic treatment table and cone beam computed tomography to ensure accurate targeting of the prostate. 

Information on CHS’s full array of cancer treatment services may be obtained by calling 1 (855) CHS-4500 or visiting chsli.org/oncology.