SAUGUS — Residents crowded into the Saugus Senior Center on Wednesday morning and left feeling informed and supported.
According to the American Cancer Society, roughly one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian and Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti led a discussion on Prostate Cancer Awareness, including sharing their own stories about dealing with the disease.
Manoogian was quick to give credit to Joanne Olsen, the Senior Center director, who saw the value in the conversation and helped to put the event together.
“Her and her staff have been fantastic,” Manoogian said. “I think that with any type of health issue, having a support group or awareness takes the anxiety away. To approach these issues rationally, with thought and care and support, makes it a lot easier for people going through it.”
Last April, Manoogian found out he had an adenocarcinoma tumor in his prostate. After advocating for more tests and soliciting multiple opinions from doctors, Manoogian opted to have the tumor surgically removed. He had his surgery in early November and the tumor was mostly contained with no signs of cancer in his lymph nodes.
The room was filled with attendees who have gone through treatment and continue to live with prostate cancer, along with some individuals who attended the meeting just to receive more information. Also in attendance was Town Manager Scott Crabtree.
Tom Hasham, 80, who spoke throughout the meeting along with Manoogian and Castinetti, recently finished radiation treatment last Friday.
“The most important thing is to have it checked out,” he said. “What you don’t know will hurt you. What you find out can be frightening but it’s nothing new and they are getting better and better at this stuff.”
Along with sharing stories, individuals gave tips and recommendations from their own experiences. Manoogian and Castinetti talked about keeping track of prostate-specific antigen levels and making sure that individuals are getting these levels checked starting as early as 40 years old based on family history.
“Not all doctors do it; you have to ask,” said Manoogian.
Castinetti also shared a story about a well-known friend of his, Boston Bruins defenseman Gary Doak. Doak died in 2017 after dealing with the effects of prostate cancer. With Doak opting for radioactive seed implants instead of surgery, cancer ended up spreading throughout his body.
“Keep in mind if you have a choice, weigh the options,” Castinetti said. “It’s a decision that you are going to have to make and live with at some point.”
Due to the interest received at the meeting, the group plans on holding another meeting in the future that will hopefully include some medical professionals who can answer questions and explain specific information in even more detail.
