Survive and Advance; My Cancer Battle, Fought One Laugh at a Time
Steve Abbott
Praus Press
2024
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Steve's prostate cancer diagnosis came in July 2013. It'sestimated that nearly 300,000 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the USin 2023, which makes it the most common cancer among men after skin cancer. Typically low risk, 97% of those diagnosed with prostate cancer survive 15 yearsafter diagnosis. But in Steve's case, despite immediate surgery, it's been anything but lowrisk. Following surgery nearly eleven years ago at this writing, Steve has remainedin continuous treatment. He's experienced the prayerful anticipationof countless experimental drug trials...only to be followed by the crushing disappointmentof dismal results. At his side through it all has been his lovely wife, Diana, a cancer survivor herself. Few people can write about cancer with humor. Let alone "LOL" humor. Steve has managed to transform his cancer journey into an entertainingtrip through pop culture. Using movie lines - "Hey brother, can you spare$66,515"- and song lyrics' - "Go back, Jack, do it again" - Steve writes withself-effacing wit. Not an easy task to address a subject as serious as cancer, especiallyhis own. His experiences will no doubt clear a path for countless cancer patients, and not just prostate cancer. Recently, Steve received the "Caesar Blevins Warrior Award" from ZEROProstate Cancer in Washington, D. C. He was also named an "Unsung Hero"by Cancer Family Care and "Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year" byMedical Mutual. In February 2024, Steve spoke on cancer survivorship to morethan 1,000 pharmaceutical industry representatives in Orlando.