09/01/2026
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Check out the below Making Rounds article, featuring one veteran's fight against Prostate Cancer 🎗💙
Carl Staton knows what it means to hear the word “cancer.”
He heard it years ago when his mother was diagnosed and watched her fight the disease for years. Then, last year, he heard it again, however this time for himself.
Staton, a Fayetteville resident and Air Force veteran, was diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer after a routine PSA blood test through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showed rising levels.
“My primary doctor noticed the increase, and I’m sure it saved my life,” Staton said. “If he had ignored it, then that low-grade cancer could have become something much more serious.”
The diagnosis came after his VA doctor referred him to a urologist, who performed a biopsy. When the results confirmed cancer, Staton said he immediately thought about his family.
“When you hear cancer, you can’t help but think about the worst and what it could mean for your future,” he said. “My biggest concern was how to tell my family and let them know I was going to be all right.”
Staton was referred through the VA’s Community Care program to Istvan Pataki, MD, Radiation Oncologist, at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center. For Staton, meeting Dr. Pataki brought a sense of relief during an overwhelming time.
“He was calm, experienced and gave me a clear game plan,” Staton said. “I didn’t have to guess. I didn’t have to wonder. That gave me peace of mind.”
Because his prostate cancer was caught early, Staton had options. He could monitor it, have his prostate removed or undergo targeted radiation.
He chose radiation therapy.
“I didn’t want to take the chance that between tests the cancer could grow or spread,” Staton said. “And I didn’t want to lose any part of myself if I didn’t have to.”
Dr. Pataki said early detection gave Staton the opportunity to consider several treatment options and choose the one that felt right for him.
“I always remind patients like Mr. Staton that prostate cancer is highly treatable and, in many cases, curable,” said Dr. Pataki. “At Cape Fear Valley Health, we use advanced technology to deliver highly precise radiation therapy to the prostate, while our team of highly trained professionals works to make patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment. It is always rewarding to hear when patients like Mr. Staton are pleased with the care they received.”
🔗 Continue reading Carl's story here: https://www.capefearvalley.com/news/music-moments-and-fight