A decade ago, Dale Whiten‘s primary care provider told him that cancer could be a real possibility for him based on his family history. It was a shock to hear that then, but by November 2023, he received the news that cancer had indeed developed in his prostate gland. 

Soon after, Whiten and Dr. Dan Fried decided his path forward would be through radiation treatment and hormone therapy at Gibbs Cancer Center – Pelham. 

He went through 25 treatments of radiation, five days a week for five weeks in addition to taking a hormone shot every six months and a daily hormone therapy pill. 

Now as an advocate for those battling cancer, Whiten, 60, said he is encouraging men to share their struggle with others, to ask lots of questions and to understand their cancer. 

“I was shocked at how in 10 years everything has improved so rapidly with how they try and care for you and get rid of the cancer,” Whiten said. “When you tell me I have to do something, it’s like getting a flat tire. The choice is easy. You just do what needs to be done.” 

Whiten said Dr. Fried did not shy away from his many questions and was honest with Whiten about what options were available and which would provide him with the best outcomes. 

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Research estimates there will be about 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2024, and about 35,250 men will die from prostate cancer. 

Whiten encourages other men to have faith, trust in their doctors, keep their physical activity level up and don’t go it alone. 

“I would highly recommend getting into a group therapy program. We typically just say, ‘Well, we’re men. I got this. I’m good.’ But you shouldn’t be alone. And it doesn’t even have to be talking to someone about cancer every day, you could talk about sports or anything else. And if cancer comes up, that’s fine, and if not, that’s fine, too.” 

In May, Whiten had a follow-up PSA screening to test for prostate cancer and his results were where they should be – cancer-free. 

“I learned that no matter what happens, God is in control,” Whiten said. “We never left here in tears, we never cried. We’ve been through a lot together and God’s been with us throughout all of it.”