My Story
Hi, my name is Troy Clark. I am 46. I’ve been a professional firefighter for 25 years. At age 40, I had my first PSA test, and it was 26 when it is supposed to be less than 4. I immediately learned what a prostate and a Urologist were. A biopsy confirmed cancer. I received several treatment opinions that ultimately led to surgery. My surgeon has quite the credentials. He is also a Urologist, Oncologist, and professor.
My Stage 1 Prostate cancer was supposed to be an “easy” case because of early detection, normal MRI, no symptoms, and no abnormalities except for the 26 [PSA test result]. After the surgery, my doctor said I would be back for radiation at some point because of the post-surgery biopsy results. The cancer had most likely been there a couple of years and was aggressive. Obviously, that wasn’t early detection. Almost one-year post-surgery, my PSA elevated to a level that “required” radiation and automatically labeled my cancer Stage 3. I didn’t want to radiate immediately. I watched my father go through chemo and radiation three different times. I wanted another option. My fiancé and I met with a fireman buddy and his wife over a glass of wine. They had the ultimate experience with Immunity Therapy Center(ITC) and told us all about it. We figured if ITC helped her severe cancer case, it could also help me.
My Experience at ITC
Their program has been a success for me. For nearly 5 years, I have followed their regimen to the best of my ability. My wife is a strong supporter of what I do and of ITC. ITC was a blessing in disguise. Cancer aside, ITC forever changed our lifestyle. Initially, ITC told me, “first, we will teach you about water and food, then we will treat your cancer.” That was a powerful statement, and I proceeded to learn more. We are raising a 1 and a 3-year-old, so we have a lot to live for!
My Message for Firefighters
In 1971, my father became a fireman for 29 years and died at age 51. He had 2 cancers three different times during his career. After my diagnosis, people told me, “Well… your dad had cancer, and that is probably why you have it”. Well… I genetically tested negative for cancer. In 2022, firefighting was classified as a “carcinogenic profession” by the World Health Organization. Cancer accounts for more firefighter line-of-duty deaths than all the other categories combined. In my opinion, firefighters should be getting screened/checked at least 10 years earlier than the average population….i.e. colonoscopies, PSA, scans, etc. Firefighters should try to visit a dermatologist twice per year. Preventative measures are significant because of what is burning in today’s world. No smoke is a good smoke. If your personal preventive measures only consist of wearing bunker gear and a SCBA, you are most likely on the route I took; the wrong route. We are getting hammered with carcinogens, stress, sleep deprivation, shift work schedules, and eating for quantity rather than quality. There are things we can’t change, and there are things we can change. I didn’t change things up for my benefit; I changed things up for my family. I challenge all firefighters to make some personal change(s) for the better to possibly prevent cancer. The I.A.R.C. has related many occupational cancers to firefighting. I wish my father knew back then what we know now. Always remember to have a PCP who understands what we do, get a second opinion, and early detection is critical!
