He Had Cancer. Six Days Later, So Did His Son

Mark Harris is one of those guys who makes you feel better just by being around him.

He's a prostate cancer survivor, longtime fitness professional, husband, father, man of deep faith, and a tireless advocate for men with cancer. His enthusiasm for life is infectious. And behind that enthusiasm is a story of cancer, unimaginable loss, faith, and purpose.

Mark was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2013 at age 57. When his urologist told him, "You have prostate cancer, but I'm going to do everything I can to help you," Mark focused on the second half of that sentence. That's Mark. He was raised to look for the bright side, even when it's hard to find.

Then, just six days later, Mark's 30-year-old son, Mychal, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer of the salivary gland.

Suddenly, father and son were traveling the cancer road together.

Mychal died four months later, in February 2014. Mark underwent his own radical prostatectomy just two months after losing his son. More than a decade later, his prostate cancer remains undetectable.

Through everything Mark has endured, two things have remained foundational: look for the bright side, and keep the faith.

Today, he has turned those beliefs into action. Mark works with cancer support groups, researchers, cancer centers and advocacy organizations across the country. He is especially passionate about reaching Black men, who face a disproportionate burden from prostate cancer, and getting men to become more proactive about their health.

In this episode, Mark and I talk about:

• What it really means for a man to be "strong" during cancer
• Why talking about cancer doesn't take away your masculinity
• Going through cancer alongside his son and then grieving his death
• The faith that has carried Mark through the hardest moments of his life
• Making an informed prostate cancer treatment decision
• Why men need to know their PSA number, not just assume their doctor does
• The disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black men
• How Mark's cancer experience grew into a life of patient advocacy and service

SPONSOR SHOUT OUT!

I want to thank my sponsor for this episode, Pfizer.

This Is Living with Cancer™ is a free online resource developed by Pfizer Oncology for all people​ living with cancer, regardless of age, income, race, location, cancer type, or stage of disease. This​ comprehensive program is available to anyone in the US, whether they’re on a Pfizer​ treatment or not, with a growing focus on those facing challenges accessing care.

Visit ThisIsLivingWithCancer.com to learn more.

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All views are my own, and the opinions expressed in this show do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of our sponsors.