Daggett Shuler Appears on Triad Today to Discuss Prostate Cancer Awareness

Daggett Shuler attorneys David Daggett and Griff Shuler recently appeared on Triad Today with host Jim Longworth for an episode that included both a meaningful discussion about prostate cancer awareness and a lively roundtable conversation on current issues.

The episode opened with David and Griff joining Dr. Thomas Polascik, a urologic surgeon with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Urology, to discuss prostate cancer from both a personal and clinical perspective.

A Serious Conversation About Prostate Cancer

Jim Longworth began the episode by introducing a topic that affects many men and families: prostate cancer. Dr. Polascik explained that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer and affects approximately one in eight men. He also noted that African American men face an even higher risk, with approximately one in six being affected. The conversation then turned personal as David shared his own prostate cancer journey.

David explained that his diagnosis began with a routine visit to his family doctor and a simple blood test known as a PSA test, or prostate-specific antigen test. After the test showed a slight spike, his doctor referred him to urology at Wake Forest Baptist Health. That led to an MRI, followed by a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis.

The Importance of Early Detection

Dr. Polascik emphasized that early detection can give men more options and better outcomes. He explained that prostate cancer is very curable when detected early, and that earlier diagnosis may allow patients to choose from more treatment options with fewer side effects.

The group also discussed advances in prostate cancer care. Dr. Polascik noted that modern tools, including MRI imaging and targeted biopsy, help doctors identify cancer more precisely. He also explained that, in some cases, physicians can now treat only the tumor using less invasive techniques.

For David, these advances, as well as the care he received, became part of a larger mission to help others.

Griff Shuler Reflects on David’s Journey

As David’s law partner and close friend, Griff spoke candidly about what he learned from watching David face the diagnosis.

Griff described David’s response as “inspirational.” He shared that hearing the word “cancer” initially “rocked” David, but that within a short time, David shifted his focus toward action.

Griff noted that David chose to listen to his doctors, confront the diagnosis, and then turn his experience outward by helping others facing the same news.

Supporting Urologic Education and Care

David also shared that he and his wife, Cynthia, have endowed a urologic fund at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. It’s called the David D. and Cynthia D. W. Daggett Endowed Fund for Urologic Education. The fund is intended to educate urologists and benefit underserved communities.

David explained that it includes a $50,000 matching gift, helping increase the impact of donations. He emphasized that the effort supports recruiting and educating skilled physicians and strengthening care in the community. [add the donation link] https://give.wakehealth.edu/site/Donation2?df_id=2780&mfc_pref=T&2780.donation=form1

As David said during the segment, bringing in physicians of Dr. Polascik’s caliber is meaningful for the Triad.

David and Griff Join the Round Table

Later in the episode, David and Griff joined Ogi Overman for the Triad Today roundtable, where Jim Longworth jokingly introduced the panel as “two attorneys and a defendant.” The conversation covered a range of local and legal topics.

The panel discussed government transparency in public property sales, with Griff emphasizing the need for public oversight and David suggesting that clear value thresholds could help balance efficiency with accountability.

They also weighed in on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board’s consideration of spending up to $200,000 on a consultant to review central office positions. Griff questioned the cost, while David noted that outside consultants can sometimes help organizations make difficult structural decisions.

The group also discussed a Virginia case involving a mother charged after allowing her five-year-old to walk alone through their gated community. Both Griff and David felt the response was excessive, particularly given the circumstances.

On a lighter note, they addressed whether an HOA could restrict someone from wearing a bikini based on age. Both agreed that while HOAs may set general dress codes, they should apply rules fairly and without age discrimination.

The roundtable ended with a fun question about favorite ice cream flavors: Griff chose cookies and cream, while David picked vanilla, with butter pecan as a close second.

A Meaningful Appearance for Daggett Shuler

David and Griff’s appearance on Triad Today reflected several important parts of Daggett Shuler’s identity: advocacy, community involvement, thoughtful public discussion, and a commitment to helping others.

From raising awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection to discussing local issues that affect Triad families, David and Griff brought both personal insight and professional perspective to the show.

David’s willingness to share his health journey and his and Cynthia’s commitment to supporting urologic education and underserved communities remind us that personal challenges can become opportunities to educate, encourage, and give back.