Evan Saugstad Shares His Inspiring Cancer Journey and Calls for Men’s Health Awareness During Movember

In a heartfelt conversation on the latest episode of This Week in the Peace, Evan Saugstad, the former mayor of Chetwynd and a proud cancer survivor, joined host Steve Berard to highlight the significance of Movember. This initiative brings attention to critical men's health issues, including mental health, cancer, and suicide prevention.

One in nine men will face the challenges of prostate cancer, and Saugstad's story is a testament to the importance of early detection and awareness. His journey began with a seemingly routine PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test in 2014, which was conducted during a medical examination for his driver’s license. At that time, he was unaware of the implications of the test, stating, "You don’t know that you have it, and there was nothing to tell you there is something different in your body."

Initially, his PSA score was a 4, which doctors deemed concerning yet manageable. However, a year later, the score surged to 10.4, prompting a referral to a urologist. Interestingly, he selected the same urologist who had treated his father, who had faced a similar diagnosis years before. This personal connection made the situation even more poignant for Saugstad.

In early 2019, he received a prostate cancer diagnosis. Faced with treatment options, he chose a radical prostatectomy but ultimately required additional radiation therapy for a complete recovery. While discussing the side effects, he noted, "A lot of the side effects you might not know for five years or more... it can take years for the body to catch up."

Despite finishing his treatment, Saugstad emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring. He undergoes annual PSA tests and remains vigilant about his health. Reflecting on the mental and emotional toll of his ordeal, he remarked, "It’s not until I read my story back again that I realize how much time I spent traveling for treatments, often at great expense."

Saugstad is an advocate for proactive healthcare, urging all men aged 50 and over to get screened for prostate cancer and to familiarize themselves with their family and ethnic medical histories. "If your doctor doesn’t recommend it, ask to get it; otherwise, go do it yourself," he encouraged.

He also advocates for generous donations to cancer research, highlighting initiatives like Movember that support vital research and raise awareness.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of his experience, Saugstad has penned an eight-part series detailing his battle with prostate cancer, available on Energeticcity.ca. Don't miss the final installment, set to be published on November 20th!

This inspiring journey underscores the importance of early detection, the willingness to seek help, and the need for ongoing awareness in men’s health. Make this Movember a month of change — for your health and for those around you!