“America’s Doctor” Dr. Timothy Johnson Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Urges Continued PSA Testing for Seniors
A beloved figure in broadcast medicine, Dr.Timothy Johnson,89,publicly disclosed Wednesday that he is battling prostate cancer,emphasizing the potential benefits of proactive screening even for older men. The diagnosis came after a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test during his annual Medicare exam, a test he initially requested “just for the heck of it.”
Johnson, known affectionately as “America’s Doctor” for his decades-long tenure as medical editor for WCVB and ABC News, shared his experience on Wednesday’s “Good Morning America.” He recounted his surprise at the results, stating, “I walked in the door and said to my doctor, a friend, ‘Let’s throw in a PSA just for the heck of it.’ And it came back 13.7, which is much higher than it should be.I was stunned. I was absolutely shocked.”
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer diagnosed in men, excluding skin cancer, and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United states, second only to lung cancer. Johnson revealed that his cancer has regrettably spread to his lymph nodes, though he maintains a hopeful outlook. “I’m quite convinced it will be controlled, maybe even cured,” he said. “But if I had gotten a PSA much earlier, it would be much more simple. The treatment much easier.”
Despite his optimism, Johnson’s case highlights a complex debate within the medical community. Current guidelines from major medical societies do not recommend routine PSA testing for men over the age of 70. Johnson believes this approach may be detrimental, perhaps delaying diagnoses and limiting treatment options. “Presumably, I would have noticed it creeping up year to year, and that would have triggered some tests to see if there was cancer there,” he explained. “And if there was cancer that was causing the higher PSA, we would have treated it vrey simply. But now, because it’s more advanced, we have to do some anti-androgen therapy, anti-testosterone therapy and then probably some radiation.”
A Call for Continued Screening
Undeterred by prevailing medical recommendations, “america’s Doctor” is urging men over 70 who are in good health to consider annual PSA testing. He suggests that if initial results are low, testing could be reduced to every two or three years. His personal experience serves as a stark warning: “Don’t wait 14 years like I did.”
Johnson retired from ABC News in 2010 and from WCVB-TV in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of trusted medical reporting. His current battle with cancer and his advocacy for continued screening underscore his enduring commitment to public health and proactive healthcare.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: Dr. Timothy Johnson is speaking out to advocate for continued PSA testing in men over 70, despite current medical guidelines that do not recommend it. He believes early detection is crucial and his own delayed diagnosis underscores this point.
Who: Dr. Timothy Johnson, 89, a well-known broadcast medical editor for ABC News and WCVB-TV, is the central figure.He is also advocating for men over 70 in good health.
What: Dr. Johnson revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that
