Grateful for UH Seidman Cancer Center

Teacher and prostate cancer survivor shares his story as a life lesson

A longtime health teacher at Lutheran High School East, Mandel knew that he had a higher chance of developing prostate cancer as a Black man. He decided to take charge of his health and began prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings in his 40s, well before the often-recommended age of 50.

Mandel’s diligence is an example for us all.

When Mandel’s PSA levels jumped from 2 to 5 ng/mL, University Hospitals primary care physician Roxana Stanescu, MD, took note. Levels above 4 ng/mL suggest greater risk of prostate cancer. Dr. Stanescu ordered a biopsy which revealed a minor presence of cancer cells. Mandel’s care team at UH Cleveland Medical Center monitored him closely, but within a year, his PSA reading climbed to 10 ng/mL. It was time to act.

Deciding on treatment

A visit to another healthcare provider for a second opinion gave him the option of taking 30 radiation treatments for his prostate cancer – considerably better than their typical 45 treatment course. But Mandel returned to UH, where radiation oncologist Angela Jia, MD, PhD, presented him with a new option: a short course of just five radiation treatments spread over two weeks.

Highly effective against prostate cancer, the treatment plan is only possible when the disease is detected early. "Mandel had no symptoms," said Dr. Jia. "We only caught it because of his PSA levels. That’s why it is so important to catch things when you are still in a window of opportunity.”

“The early screenings were easy because Dr. Stanescu and Dr. Jia both know me so well, to where we can just talk about anything,” said Mandel. “In fact, Dr. Stanescu learned about me before we even had our first appointment. Their immense care is just part of UH’s five-star service. It’s how everyone is at UH, starting from when you enter the parking lot.”

A strong sign of success

Six months after completing treatment, Mandel’s PSA level dropped to 2.5 ng/mL, a strong sign of success. Today, a year and a half later, that level has further dropped to 0.67 ng/mL. He remains cancer free.

Mandel clearly remembers ringing the celebration bell at UH Seidman Cancer Center – a powerful symbol of victory over cancer. “I rang that bell,” he said. “And I will continue ringing the bell of the importance of early detection in men’s health.

“Get screened. It saved my life. It could save yours, too.”

In Gratitude for His Care

The care that Mandel received at UH Seidman Cancer Center left an impression - to express his gratitude, he wrote a thank you letter to Dr. Jia and her team: