Frequently Asked Questions

The Jackie Wayne Stell Foundation, established in honor of the late Jackie Wayne Stell, is dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer. Jackie's journey, from an initial diagnosis in 2009 to a later stage 4 prognosis in 2020, underscores the importance of early detection and understanding the risks associated with this disease. Committed to promoting knowledge, testing, awareness, and informed choices, it aims to empower individuals in the ongoing fight against prostate cancer.

Jackie Wayne Stell was born in Ennis, TX on January 6, 1945. His life's journey was a delightful rollercoaster of strength, humor, warmth, and unwavering compassion. He navigated through life, always ready with a quip, and a smile.

Jackie proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as Airman First Class (A1C), also proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War. Even in the face of challenges, his spirit remained unbroken, and his sense of humor shone through. He had the unique ability to make friends with everyone, greeting them with not just a big hug and smile, but unforgettable kisses. 

Jackie worked as an Air Traffic Controller and later as a supervisor at the FAA Air Route Traffic Center in Leesburg, VA. His leadership style was as caring as it was effective. He made sure his staff knew the importance of their job but, more importantly, that their families came first. He was a friend to all, always willing to lend a helping hand, and a compassionate manager who cared deeply for the well-being of those around him.

People describe him as one of the most generous, loving, and joyful individuals they've ever met. Whether roaring with laughter or roaring like a lion during air traffic control, Jackie left his joyful mark on everyone he encountered. His heart, louder than his laughter, earned him the affection of colleagues who fondly remember working alongside him. For all the loudness, his heart was even louder, and boy, was he funny! 

Jackie was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and father who adored his children immensely. His protective nature, provider instincts, and friendly demeanor made him not just a parent but also a cherished friend. From surprising them at school for lunch to teaching them to drive a stick shift, Jackie was there for every milestone, creating a tapestry of precious memories.

Jackie was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. He had surgery to remove his prostate thinking that all would be well. In late 2019, Jackie was informed by his doctor that he was cancer free. At his 75th birthday celebration in 2020, Jackie announced this great news to his family and friends. In the spring of 2020, Jackie experienced symptoms that prompted him to request a PET scan. The results showed that he had stage 4 prostate cancer that had metastasized all throughout his skeleton. Jackie passed away on November 27, 2023.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. 

Prostate cancer is quite common and is the second most diagnosed cancer in men.  In the United States, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.  Compared to White men, 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, Black men in the US have among the highest documented prostate cancer incidence rate in the world, are over twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to non-Hispanic White men. Veterans are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than men who have never served in the military. Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in Veterans, diagnosed in approximately 11,000 men in the VA system each year.

Risk for prostate cancer can run in families. A man with at least one close relative who has had prostate cancer is twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease compared to the general population. You are also at risk if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreas, or other cancers, are Black, or have known BRCA 1 or 2 mutations. Gene mutations found in those cancers have been identified in prostate cancer and linked to more aggressive disease.

Exposure to chemicals can add to prostate cancer risk and severity. Studies have shown Vietnam and Korean War Veterans with exposure to chemicals like Agent Orange have a higher occurrence of prostate cancer.

All men may potentially develop prostate cancer; however several factors can contribute to an individual developing prostate cancer at a higher right. Some key risk factors include:

• Age
• Race/Ethnicity
• Family History
• Genetics
• Geography
• Occupation
• Dietary Factors
• Obesity

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee the development of prostate cancer, and individuals without these risk factors can still be diagnosed with the disease. Regular screenings and discussions with healthcare providers about individual risk factors and appropriate preventive measures are essential for early detection and effective management. 

Early stages may have no symptoms, but as it progresses, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the pelvic area.

While there's no guaranteed prevention, a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may contribute to overall well-being. 

Yes, research indicates that Black men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men of other racial and ethnic groups. The reasons for this higher risk are not fully understood, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and healthcare access factors.

Black men are not only more likely to develop prostate cancer but also tend to have a more aggressive form of the disease. Additionally, they are diagnosed at a younger age on average. The exact causes of these disparities are complex and may involve a combination of genetic factors, socio-economic factors, and healthcare disparities. Regular screenings and early detection are crucial, especially for Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. 

 The increased risk of prostate cancer in Black men is a complex and multifaceted issue, and researchers are still working to fully understand the underlying factors. However, several contributing factors have been identified:

• Genetic Factors: There is evidence suggesting a genetic component to the increased risk among Black men. Certain genetic variations or mutations may be more prevalent in populations of African descent, contributing to a higher susceptibility to prostate cancer.
• Biological Differences: Black men may exhibit biological differences in the structure and function of the prostate that could influence cancer development. Research is ongoing to understand these potential differences.
• Healthcare Disparities: Disparities in healthcare access and utilization can impact early detection and timely treatment. Black men may face barriers such as lower rates of screening and less access to quality healthcare, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and employment, can influence health outcomes. Black men, on average, may experience socioeconomic disparities that contribute to health inequalities.
• Lifestyle Factors: Some lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, can influence prostate cancer risk. Research suggests that differences in lifestyle patterns may contribute to variations in cancer incidence.

It's crucial to approach these factors with sensitivity, recognizing that they interact in complex ways, and not all Black men will share the same risk profile. Efforts to address healthcare disparities, promote awareness, and improve access to screening and treatment are essential in mitigating the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black communities.

The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age, and most cases are diagnosed in men over 65. 

Having an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), doesn't necessarily increase the risk of prostate cancer, but the symptoms can be similar. With BPH, there is an overgrowth of prostate tissue which pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.  Prostate cancer begins in the outer peripheral zone of the prostate, and grows outward, invading surrounding tissue (as opposed to the inward growth of BPH). 

The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood, aiding in the early detection of potential issues. Its necessity depends on various factors, and it's usually discussed with a healthcare provider. 

Treatment varies and can include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and sometimes active surveillance. 

Some healthcare providers use the digital rectal exam (DRE) as an initial screening tool for prostate cancer. During this examination, a healthcare professional checks the prostate gland for any unusual swelling or lumps in the rectum using their finger. 

Source: www.cancer.org

Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly over many years. Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have changes that they notice. Signs of prostate cancer most often show up later, as the cancer grows.

If signs are pointing to prostate cancer, tests will be done. Most men will not need all of them, but here are some of the tests you may need:

• PSA blood test: PSA is a protein that’s made by the prostate gland and can be found in the blood. Prostate cancer can make PSA levels go up. Blood tests will be done to see what your PSA level is and how it changes over time.
• Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): For this test, a small wand is put into your rectum. It gives off sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off the prostate gland. The echoes are made into a picture on a computer screen.
• MRI: This test uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures of the body. MRI scans can be used to look at the prostate and can show if the cancer has spread outside the prostate to nearby organs.
• Prostate biopsy: For a prostate biopsy, the doctor uses a long, hollow needle to take out small pieces of the prostate where the cancer might be. This is often done while using TRUS or MRI (or a fusion of the two) to look at the prostate. The prostate pieces are then checked for cancer cells. Ask the doctor what kind of biopsy you need and how it’s done.
• Lymph node biopsy: Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped parts of the immune system. A lymph node biopsy may be done if the doctor thinks the cancer might have spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes.
• CT scan: This is sometimes called a “CAT scan.” It’ uses x-rays to make detailed pictures of the body. A CT scan can show whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate.
• Bone scan: This test may be done to see if the cancer has spread to your bones. To do it, a small amount of a low-level radioactive substance is put into your blood. It settles in damaged areas of bone all over the body. A special camera finds the radioactivity and makes a picture of your bones.
• PET scan: This test may be done to see if the cancer has spread. To do it, a small amount of a low-level radioactive substance is put into your blood. It attaches to cancer cells anywhere the body. A special camera can then show any areas of radioactivity. Sometimes this test is done at the same time as an MRI (PET-MRI) or CT scan (PET-CT).

Prostate cancer is often highly treatable, with over 80% of cases being detected while the cancer is still localized in or around the prostate. This contributes to high treatment success rates compared to many other types of cancer. In the United States, the 5-year overall survival rates for men diagnosed with local or regional prostate cancer surpass 99%, indicating a generally low likelihood of mortality from prostate cancer. It's important to note, though, that prostate cancer can take various forms, and some cases may be aggressive, even if initially appearing confined to the prostate. Regular screenings and early detection play a crucial role in successful treatment outcomes. 

No, a digital rectal exam (DRE) is not the only method used to detect prostate cancer. While the DRE is one of the screening tools, another common method is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Both the DRE and PSA test are often used in combination to assess prostate health.

During a DRE, a healthcare provider manually examines the prostate gland through the rectum to check for any abnormalities, swelling, or lumps. The PSA test measures the levels of a specific protein produced by the prostate in the bloodstream. Elevated PSA levels can indicate potential issues, including prostate cancer.

The decision to undergo these screenings depends on factors such as age, family history, and overall health. It's crucial for individuals to discuss the benefits and risks of these screenings with their healthcare providers and make informed decisions based on their specific circumstances.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and a DRE (digital rectal exam) serve different purposes in the detection and evaluation of prostate cancer.

• DRE (Digital Rectal Exam): This is a physical examination where a healthcare provider manually checks the prostate gland for abnormalities, such as lumps or irregularities, by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum. While it is a useful part of the screening process, it has limitations, and not all prostate cancers may be detectable through this method.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the prostate. It provides a more comprehensive view of the prostate and surrounding tissues. MRIs are often used to further evaluate suspicious findings from other tests, like elevated PSA levels or abnormalities detected during a DRE. MRI can help identify the size, location, and potential aggressiveness of tumors.

In terms of reliability, an MRI is generally considered more sensitive and specific in detecting and evaluating prostate cancer compared to a DRE. However, the two are often used together to provide a more comprehensive assessment. 

The decision to perform an MRI is typically based on factors such as the results of other tests, the individual's risk profile, and the healthcare provider's clinical judgment. It's important for individuals to discuss the appropriate screening and diagnostic methods with their healthcare team.