Florida Hospital Waterman | Waterman Wellness | Winter 2019

AdventHealthWaterman.com 7 JOHN SPADARO, of Eustis, is a retired firefighter and very proactive when it comes to his health— especially when it comes to his risk for developing prostate cancer. “Both of my brothers have dealt with prostate cancer,” Spadaro says. “Just based on this fact, I assumed prostate cancer sometimes runs in families. My older brother had a diagnosis prior to my current age, so I went to my doctor for a routine physical and asked him to do a blood test to see if I had anything to be concerned about.” “My doctor found out through the blood test that my PSA score was a little bit elevated,” Spadaro says. “So he referred me to a urologist, who performed a biopsy on my prostate.” “Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland,” explains Jason Gerboc, DO, a board-certified urologic surgeon. “Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer.” “The biopsy showed that I had prostate cancer, but it was not affecting a large area of my prostate,” says Spadaro. “The doctor explained I would need surgery, but I’d probably have a very good outcome.” Treatment options right here After Spadaro recovered from his surgery, Dr. Gerboc advised him to receive radiation treatment from the Cancer Center at AdventHealth Waterman and radiation oncologist Anudh Jain, MD. “Dr. Gerboc explained that even though I had the surgery, I still had cancer cells in my body,” Spadaro says. “He sent me to talk to Dr. Jain, and I was very encouraged by him. I live in Eustis, and my preference was to not make it any harder on myself, especially after Dr. Jain told me I’d have seven weeks of going every day for treatments, which only last 15 minutes.” “Here at AdventHealth Waterman, we work directly with patients and other specialists to come up with the best care,” Dr. Jain says. “We have advanced technology, and we offer patients a wide host of options. We have state-of-the-art cancer treatment right here, close to home.” “The whole process for me was very good,” says Spadaro. “The biggest part of it was the people. They’re kind, and I’m very grateful they were there to buoy up my wife, my family and me.” WHERE TO GET TESTED Men who are over 40 or have a family history of prostate cancer should get an annual PSA test. If you need a urologist, you can find one at AdventHealthWaterman.com . Prostate checkup finds his cancer early Anudh Jain, MD Smart move The biggest part of it was the people. They’re kind, and I’m very grateful they were there to buoy up my wife, my family and me.” —John Spadaro John Spadaro (top) and his brothers