Retired Ohio Senator Fights Prostate Cancer

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. About one in seven men are diagnosed in their lifetime, typically at age 65 or older. As with many cancers, early diagnosis can make a significant difference in the overall treatment and outcome. An annual physical exam led to a prostate cancer diagnosis for Bill Harris, a retired Ohio senator.

As a former U.S. Marine, Bill served in the Korean War, followed by 23 years as an intelligence and counterintelligence officer, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Following his time in the military, Bill moved to Ashland, Ohio, where he became an automotive dealer. He was elected first to a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, then to the Ohio Senate, where he served as its president from 2005 to 2010.

In June 2013, a routine prostate exam conducted as part of his annual physical by his primary care physician showed that his prostate specific antigen, or PSA, count had continued to rise, reaching a level of 24.25 (counts below 4 are considered normal). His primary care physician referred him to Eric Klein, MD, chairman, Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, who performed a biopsy that showed high-grade cancer.

“I knew I was facing multiple treatments and wanted to make getting to those as easy as possible. The Strongsville Family Health Center was the most convenient option from Ashland, just a short drive up Interstate 71, and Dr. Vassil came highly recommended.”

Due to the senator’s age (79) and diagnosis, Dr. Klein recommended a combination of radiation oncology treatment and hormone therapy, and referred Bill to a specialist in radiation oncology whom Dr. Klein had trained — Andrew Vassil, MD, at Cleveland Clinic’s Strongsville Family Health and Surgery Center.

“I knew I was facing multiple treatments and wanted to make getting to those as easy as possible. The Strongsville Family Health Center was the most convenient option from Ashland, just a short drive up Interstate 71, and Dr. Vassil came highly recommended,” says Bill.

Cleveland Clinic Radiation Oncology is one of the largest in the country and is a nationally recognized leader in patient care, research and education. In 2013, the department enrolled more patients in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) trials than any of the 260 other medical institutions throughout North America.

In addition, it offers many innovative programs that personalize care to optimize outcomes, focus on quality and safety and place patients first.

Bill underwent 39 radiation treatments over the course of seven weeks, with minimal side effects. At a follow-up visit with Dr. Vassil in June 2014, his PSA count had dropped dramatically to 2.01, well within the normal range.

“Fortunately for Sen. Harris, Cleveland Clinic Radiation Oncology has seven regional facilities in Northeast Ohio that are integrated with the main campus. This facilitates review of cases, access to innovative clinical trials, and leverages the collective experience and expertise of many radiation oncologists,” says Dr. Vassil.

“Sen. Harris has given a lot to our country. It was my honor and privilege to provide care for him.”