It's the 11th of the month and we turn now to our ongoing Cancer Connection series. CBS 11's August Cancer Connection wants all men, and men you care about, to know his story. He's one of the one in six men who's diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Think about that, one in six men you know will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Even though prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, what's scary is most of the time prostate cancer gives men absolutely no warning signs until the cancer has spread. In fact the only way our Cancer Connection found out something was wrong was when a total stranger urged him to have a blood test. He's alive today, urging every Alaska man over 40-years-old to do

Les Day
the same thing.

Les Day is up by 5:30 every morning enjoying the type of retirement only Alaska can provide:
on the golf corse,
fishing,
simply being alive.

"I'm proud to say I'm a survivor. And I'm not a fatality," said Day.

Eleven years ago you could say Day accidentally found out something was wrong.

"This little old woman down at a Health Fair at the Egan Center called me over, and called me, 'Young man,' and asked me if I had had a PSA blood test. She explained what it was and told me it was free. So I'm in," said Day.

Day had a small amount of blood taken to test his his prostate's protein level, or PSA. Day's level was high: a good indication he had prostate cancer even though he never felt sick.

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"Not one symptom. There are some symptoms some men will experience, but in my case, I had zero," said Day.

"And that's when it hit home. Sitting across the table from a doctor who tells you, you have the 'Big C.' And that's when your homework starts," said Day.

Day's case is normal. Prostate cancer does not usually produce any symptoms in its early stages. But when there are warning signs, here's what to look out for:

    - urination problems
    - painful ejaculations
    - lower back, hip, upper thigh and pelvic pain
    - persistent bone pain
    - and appetite and weight loss

Since it's unusual to see these warning signs, that's why early detection, not only through PSA blood tests but also a digital rectal exam, are so important.

"I want men to know that anyone walking around there is a candidate. And they should take matters into their own hands and get an annual PSA blood test along with the digital exam," said Day.

"I guess if I hadn't had that PSA years ago, I wouldn't be enjoying the grandkids today. And see our kids get married and move on their way," said Day.

"Every day's a good day. Don't take it for granted.

Get up and hit it hard. Be glad you're on the right side of the grass," said Day.

Next month, you can have the two tests we told you about preformed for free during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, September 16 through the 22. Also, as part of our Cancer Connection Program, it's time to remind you to call your buddy as part of Cancer Check 11. As many of us know breast cancer is women's most common cancer form and testicular cancer is the number one young man's cancer killer. So on the 11th of every month we hope all women and men partner with a friend and, on the 11th of each month, encourage your buddy to make sure you both have completed your monthly breast or testicular self-exams.

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To contact Matthew, call 907-273-3186.