How a Lifetime of Hard Work Prepared Steven for His Cancer Journey

AstraZeneca

(Paid Content)

Published October 12, 2026

Photo Courtesy of Steven

Steven, 70, grew up spending summers on his grandparents’ farm—and looking back, he says those summers taught him something he’d need later in life. “When you’re a farmer, you have to get up every day,” he says. “It may be below eight degrees, but the livestock have to be fed, and the cows have to be milked. There are lots of responsibilities and no vacations.”

He remembers watching his grandfather work in the fields and helping his grandmother gather eggs to sell. At the time, he had no idea those lessons in showing up, rain or shine, would become the foundation for how he’d face the biggest challenge of his life: a diagnosis of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

An Unexpected First Sign

Steven’s cancer journey didn’t begin the way he—or most people—might expect. It started with severe knee pain.

The Chicago native went to a clinic for X-rays, but nothing unusual appeared. Physical therapy seemed to make things worse, and within a few months, the pain had spread to his back and legs. Then came a new symptom: waking up seven or eight times a night to urinate.

In hindsight, the back and leg pain were among the more commonly reported signs of advanced prostate cancer—though at the time, Steven had no way of knowing that.¹ It’s important to note that the signs and symptoms that Steven experienced are a part of his own individual journey and are not representative of what other patients may experience.

Know the Signs: Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, which is part of why regular check-ins with a doctor matter.¹ When symptoms do appear, they can include changes in urination, blood in urine or semen and, in more advanced cases, erectile dysfunction, pain in the hips, back or ribs from cancer that has spread to the bones, weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or changes in bowel habits.¹ This is not a complete list of all the possible symptoms that a patient may experience. Symptoms vary from person to person.

He saw his primary care doctor and a chiropractor before deciding to see a urologist, who asked one question that changed everything: Has Steven ever had his PSA tested?

What to Know: PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein made by cells in the prostate.² A PSA blood test is one tool that doctors may use to help evaluate prostate health or monitor for prostate cancer.³ PSA levels can be affected by things other than cancer, so results should always be interpreted with a healthcare professional.³ Talk to your doctor about whether PSA testing is right for you.

For high-risk individuals, including people of Black/African American descent, those with genetic mutations that increase prostate cancer risk and those with a family or personal history of cancer, US clinical guidelines indicate that a PSA of less than or equal to 3 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination (if done) require repeat testing every 1-2 years, and a PSA above 3 ng/mL and a suspicious digital rectal examination warrant a conversation with your doctor about further testing.² Please note: Steven is a US patient, and these guidelines reflect US testing standards.

Steven’s first PSA result came back at 3.2 ng/mL. Thinking it might be a lab error, his doctor’s office asked him to retest. The second result: 3.3 ng/mL.

“I didn’t know much about prostate cancer,” Steven says, “but I knew enough about PSA levels to know that mine were extremely high.”

He was called into the hospital right away. After additional testing, Steven was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer—the knee pain, it turned out, was referred pain from the cancer that had spread to his spine.

Did You Know?—Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the US aside from skin cancer, and about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime.⁴ Each man’s risk can vary based on age, race/ethnicity, inherited genetic mutations and other factors.^4,5

Sitting With the News

Concerned about the stability of Steven’s spine, the hospital ran magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and positron emission tomography scans the same day. His doctors let him go home on one condition: no strenuous activity, given his compromised spine and stage IV diagnosis.

That weekend, Steven’s thoughts kept circling back to his mother, who died of breast cancer. He remembered her radical mastectomy, her burn scars from radiation and how she never lost her sense of humor through any of it.

Sitting there, missing her, Steven decided how he wanted to face what was ahead.

What His Genes Revealed

Steven was assigned to an oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer.

Before starting treatment, his oncologist recommended genetic testing. Steven tested positive for a BRCA mutation, a finding that is often associated with a strong family history of cancer, like the one on his mother’s side.⁵

What to Know: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are often associated with breast and ovarian cancer in women, but they matter for men too.^5,6 Inherited changes in these genes can increase the risk of different types of cancers, including prostate, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.⁵ An estimated 10% of prostate cancers are thought to be caused by an inherited gene mutation.⁶ Understanding your genetic profile can help guide your treatment.⁵ Genetic testing can also help identify family members who have an increased risk of developing cancer if they have a BRCA mutation.⁵

“I would encourage others who may have a family history to get assessed for their risk,” Steven says.

Treatment and the Trial That Changed His Path

Steven’s treatment began with radiation followed by chemotherapy—both standard approaches for prostate cancer that has spread.^7,8 He also started hormone therapy, which lowers or blocks testosterone to slow the cancer’s growth.⁹ This is typically the first-line treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)—an advanced cancer that has spread past the prostate but still responds to hormone therapy.^10,11

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Over time, his cancer progressed and evolved to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, or mCRPC, meaning he no longer fully responded to treatments that lower testosterone.¹⁰

Because of Steven’s BRCA mutation, his oncologist recommended a clinical trial for what’s now known as LYNPARZA^® (olaparib) tablets, which at the time was approved for certain BRCA-positive ovarian cancers and being studied for mCRPC.¹² Steven qualified and enrolled in the trial.

LYNPARZA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults who have mCRPC with a certain type of abnormal inherited or acquired BRCA gene, and the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone.¹² LYNPARZA is used in combination with another anti-cancer medicine, abiraterone, together with the steroid medicine prednisone or prednisolone.¹² Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that LYNPARZA is right for you.¹²

Before starting treatment, his doctor explained that LYNPARZA is associated with serious, potentially fatal, side effects, including bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and lung problems (pneumonitis).¹² They also discussed the most common side effects of LYNPARZA: nausea or vomiting, tiredness or weakness, low white blood cell counts, changes in the way food tastes, diarrhea, cough, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, indigestion or heartburn.¹² These are not all the possible side effects of LYNPARZA. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

“It feels good to know I’m taking the most appropriate therapy for me,” Steven says. He’s careful to note that this is his experience, and results vary. His care team has also been upfront that prostate cancer that has spread once can spread again, so they continue to monitor his PSA and other labs while on treatment.¹³

Select Safety Information Regarding LYNPARZA¹²LYNPARZA has serious risks that may lead to death. These include bone marrow problems called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), lung problems (pneumonitis), blood clots (venous thromboembolism [VTE]) and liver problems, including drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Signs or symptoms of MDS/AML may include weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in urine or stool, shortness of breath, feeling very tired, or bruising or bleeding more easily. Signs or symptoms of pneumonitis may include new or worsening lung problems, including shortness of breath, fever, cough or wheezing. Signs or symptoms of VTE may include pain or swelling in an extremity, shortness of breath, chest pain, breathing that is more rapid than normal, or heart beats faster than normal. Signs or symptoms of DILI may include discomfort on the right side of the stomach-area, dark or “tea-colored” urine, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs or symptoms.

This is a summary of some of the most important information you should know about LYNPARZA. For more information about these and other side effects, as well as other information about treatment with LYNPARZA, please see Important Safety Information below and see complete Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

A Community and A New Purpose

Photo Courtesy of Steven

Steven credits much of his outlook to his care team, family and community.

Their support pushed him to get more involved, proudly wearing his prostate cancer pin, speaking publicly and joining fundraisers. It even led him to the microphone at Wrigley Field twice, where he has sung “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch, in partnership with a prostate cancer advocacy organization.

Patients and care partners seeking additional information can explore educational resources from prostate cancer advocacy organizations and should speak with their healthcare team about their individual diagnosis, testing and treatment.

What He Wants Others to Know

If there are a few things Steven hopes readers take from his story, they are: Talk to your doctor if something feels off. Ask about PSA testing if it’s right for you. Share your family’s cancer history. And if you or a loved one has a BRCA mutation or strong family history, ask about genetic counseling for your family.

“You don’t have to face this alone,” Steven says. “Build relationships with your doctors. Ask questions. Advocate for yourself.”

He credits his oncology team with one more piece of advice he’s carried since day one: “Attitude matters. It doesn’t take any more energy than fear.”

Visit www.LYNPARZA.com to learn more and talk to your doctor about genetic testing after a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Editor’s Note: Steven is a LYNPARZA Patient Ambassador and has been compensated by AstraZeneca for sharing his story. Individual patient experiences may vary. Compensation was for time and expenses only and was not contingent on prescribing, product use, or the content of his statements. His personal experience may not be typical and does not replace medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own care.

If you have been prescribed LYNPARZA, the MyLYNPARZA on the Go Support Program provides ongoing support and resources, with the option to receive educational updates and tips directly to your phone via WhatsApp. Visit MyLYNPARZAOnTheGo.com to learn more. The information provided through this program is educational and not a substitute for advice from a healthcare provider. For questions about your treatment, contact your doctor’s office.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about LYNPARZA?

LYNPARZA may cause serious side effects, including:

Bone marrow problems called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Some people who have received previous treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or certain other medicines for their cancer have developed MDS or AML during treatment with LYNPARZA. MDS or AML may lead to death.

Symptoms of low blood cell counts are common during treatment with LYNPARZA, but can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML. Symptoms may include weakness, weight loss, fever, frequent infections, blood in urine or stool, shortness of breath, feeling very tired, bruising or bleeding more easily.

Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts:

before treatment with LYNPARZA
every month during treatment with LYNPARZA
weekly if you have low blood cell counts that last a long time

Lung problems (pneumonitis). LYNPARZA can cause serious lung problems that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems, including shortness of breath, fever, cough, or wheezing. Your healthcare provider may do a chest x-ray if you have any of these symptoms.

Blood clots (venous thromboembolism [VTE]). Some people may develop a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg (venous thrombosis) or a clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism [PE]), which may be severe or lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms such as pain or swelling in an extremity, shortness of breath, chest pain, breathing that is more rapid than normal (tachypnea), or heart beats faster than normal (tachycardia). Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these symptoms and may prescribe blood thinner medicine.

Liver problems, including Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): People taking LYNPARZA may develop liver problems which may be severe and can lead to death. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests before and during your treatment with LYNPARZA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice discomfort on the right side of your stomach-area (abdominal), dark or “tea-colored” urine, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).

Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with LYNPARZA if you get certain side effects.

Before taking LYNPARZA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have lung or breathing problems
have kidney problems
are pregnant, become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. LYNPARZA can harm your unborn baby and may cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage)

Males with female partners who are pregnant or able to become pregnant:

you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 3 months after the last dose of LYNPARZA
do not donate sperm during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 3 months after your last dose
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if LYNPARZA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with LYNPARZA and for 1 month after receiving the last dose of LYNPARZA. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking LYNPARZA and certain other medicines may affect how LYNPARZA works and may cause side effects.

How should I take LYNPARZA?

Take LYNPARZA tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you
Your healthcare provider will decide how long you stay on treatment
Do not change your dose or stop taking LYNPARZA unless your healthcare provider tells you to
Take LYNPARZA by mouth 2 times a day with or without food
Each dose should be taken about 12 hours apart
Swallow LYNPARZA tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or divide the tablets
If you are taking LYNPARZA for prostate cancer and you are receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog therapy, you should continue with this treatment during your treatment with LYNPARZA unless you have had a surgery to remove both of your testicles (surgical castration) to lower the amount of testosterone in your body
If you miss a dose of LYNPARZA, take your next dose at your usual scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose
If you take too much LYNPARZA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away

What should I avoid while taking LYNPARZA?
Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice, Seville oranges, and Seville orange juice during treatment with LYNPARZA since they may increase the level of LYNPARZA in your blood.

LYNPARZA may cause serious side effects (see “What is the most important information I should know about LYNPARZA?”).

Nausea or vomiting is common during treatment with LYNPARZA. Tell your healthcare provider if you get nausea or vomiting. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to treat these symptoms.

The most common side effects of LYNPARZA when used in combination with abiraterone and prednisone or prednisolone are:

low red blood cell counts
tiredness or weakness
diarrhea
loss of appetite
low white blood cell counts
dizziness
stomach-area (abdominal) pain

These are not all the possible side effects of LYNPARZA. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products.

WHAT IS LYNPARZA?

LYNPARZA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults who have metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with a certain type of abnormal inherited (germline) or acquired (somatic) BRCA gene, and the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone. LYNPARZA is used in combination with another anti-cancer medicine, abiraterone, together with the steroid medicine prednisone or prednisolone.

Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that LYNPARZA is right for you.

It is not known if LYNPARZA is safe and effective in children

Please see complete Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide.

References:

American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html.
ZERO Prostate Cancer. PSA test for prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://zerocancer.org/psa-test.
Mayo Clinic. PSA test. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psa-test/about/pac-20384731.
American Cancer Society. Key statistics for prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.
National Cancer Institute. BRCA gene changes: cancer risk and genetic testing. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet.
ZERO Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer risk factors. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://zerocancer.org/risk-factors.
American Cancer Society. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html.
American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy for prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/chemotherapy.html.
American Cancer Society. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html.
Jarrard D, Bigarella M. New treatment options for men presenting with de novo metastatic prostate cancer. AUA News. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.auanews.net/issues/articles/2024/january-extra-2024/new-treatment-options-for-men-presenting-with-de-novo-metastatic-prostate-cancer.
Urology Care Foundation. What is advanced prostate cancer. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/a_/advanced-prostate-cancer.
LYNPARZA^®(olaparib) [prescribing information]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2025.
American Cancer Society. Treating prostate cancer that doesn’t go away or comes back after treatment. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/recurrence.html.

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