Since so many people close to me have had cancer, I have been extra careful with screenings and started getting tested for prostate cancer at a young age. In the spring of 2006, during my yearly physical examination, my doctor noticed that my PSA level was slowly rising. He wanted me to come back a few months later, and in July my PSA had gone up even more.

I went to see Dr. Judd Moul at Duke. Biopsies were performed and confirmed cancer in multiple sites in my prostate. Dr. Moul worked with three other members of the Duke Prostate Center -- Dr. Dan George, Dr. Thomas Polascik, and Dr. Robert Lee -- and they provided me with several treatment options.

I met with these physicians who specialize in surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology in one visit. They shared with me the pros and cons of each treatment.

Based on my age and the stage of the cancer, I thought that surgery to remove the prostate was best. In October 2006, I came to Duke where Dr. Moul performed the surgery, which went well.

It has only been a few months since it occurred, and I feel pretty good. I’m up to 85 to 90 percent of my previous self and am back to work as the register of deeds for Durham County.

It’s interesting that many of my friends and colleagues had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but I was unaware of that until my diagnosis.

Apparently one in six men is eventually diagnosed with prostate cancer, so it’s likely that you will know someone who has it. And for those of us who have been diagnosed, we’ve become a close group of men. It’s a special bond. Everyone is very supportive of each other.

While I love my job and plan on running for re-election in two years, my outlook on work -- and life in general -- has changed since treatment.

Previously, I tended to get bogged down in work and would put off fun things. Unfortunately, I would often put off the fun activities indefinitely. But cancer showed me that I had to face mortality. Now, I don’t overlook the important things in my life—like family and friends.

I’ve started taking better care of my health -- both the physical and mental aspects, by watching my diet and exercising more.

I can’t stress enough for men to get their PSA tested. That way, you will have good baseline data, and your doctor will be able to determine if your PSA is rising too quickly, even if it’s still normal.

If I had not had years of data, maybe my doctor would not have referred me to Duke for further testing.

Now, I make better use of my time. While I’ve always been close to my only daughter, Wendy, we’ve spent more time with each other since my diagnosis.

I also spend more time with my wife. And instead of saying to my wife that we need to travel more, we actually will, starting with a trip to Italy later this year. I’m also playing more golf with my friends, even though I’m no Tiger Woods.

Just like you have to schedule meetings at work, you need to schedule time in your life to have fun.