Raising Awareness About Prostate Cancer on Triad Today

A lifelong athlete and IRONMAN triathlete, Attorney David Daggett has built his career and reputation on discipline, perseverance, and service to others. However, a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer has extended those qualities to raising awareness about the condition, which affects 1 in 8 men according to the American Cancer Society.

David chose to see his diagnosis as a mission: to use his voice and platform to help other men take control of their health and their futures. “This is bigger than me,” David shares. “Prostate cancer is touching more families than ever, especially in minority communities. If I can use my experience to encourage even one man to get screened, then something good came out of my diagnosis.”

Due to advances in screening and treatments, death rates are decreasing. Early detection remains the most powerful tool for saving lives. That’s why David has been candid about his journey and proactive in bringing experts into the conversation. Recently, David also invited Dr. Soroush Rais-Bahrami, Professor and the William H. Boyce Endowed Chair of the Department of Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, to share facts about the latest advancements in care on the Triad Today show. Watch the segment to hear David tell his story and get additional insight from Dr. Rais-Bahrami:

“Defeating cancer is a team sport, built on a strong partnership between the entire multidisciplinary care team of physicians and each one of our patients – we are united in personalizing care and fighting the battle against cancer,” says Dr. Rais-Bahrami.

David encourages men to get screened and ask their doctor the questions they need answers to. Initial testing can start with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Evaluating the levels of this antigen (protein) produced by the prostate could indicate prostate cancer years before symptoms appear. 

“My diagnosis doesn’t define me,” David says. “But it has given me a new message. I want men to know they’re not alone, and that with awareness and early action, lives can be saved.”

Join David in bringing awareness around prostate cancer and encourage open conversation with doctors about screening.