For Huron O. Hill II, a diagnosis of prostate cancer came as no surprise. It was an adversary he had anticipated for many years, and he was as prepared as anyone can be to cope when his fears were realized.

As an African-American male with a family history of prostate cancer, Huron knew he was at high risk for the disease.  He also knew that prostate cancer was no death sentence. His father is a 15-year survivor. So, the Amherst dentist knew the value of early detection as a medical professional and as a son. He insisted on a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test every six months. This antigen, produced by the prostate gland, is elevated in men with prostate cancer.
 By Christmas 2003, Huron's PSA had shot up, but was still within the acceptable range.  He was checked again in the spring and found the PSA had declined slightly. His doctors recommended a watch and wait approach.  But Huron insisted on a biopsy. "Something inside told me this was not right. I wanted to be more proactive against this disease which taunted my family and me for years," Hill says.

The biopsy came back positive for cancer. The dentist had lived with the prospect of prostate cancer for so long, he simply returned to work that day and finished seeing his patients. But the fight began. He was relentless and aggressive in seeking out the best treatment for his cancer.

Huron studied the medical literature, knew the statistics, explored all his options based on the pathology of the biopsy, and consulted with various specialists and decided to seek treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, one of the best prostate cancer center programs in the country.

"I never asked why me or why now. I have a strong faith and knew with God and with the support of family and friends, I would beat this disease," he asserts 

Huron chose to have surgery to remove the cancer at Roswell Park. Immediately, his PSA dropped to nearly zero. While his recovery is ongoing, so is his life.

"The peace and comfort of knowing the cancer is gone far outweigh the relatively minor inconveniences during my convalescence," Huron noted. During his one month post surgery evaluation, his doctors give a 94% chance of returning to full health.

Huron's message of hope for the holidays: "Be proactive with your health. Know your risks for developing the disease.  Insist upon regular prostate cancer screenings. The tests can save your life."