09/29/2026
Woody Edelman, 72, never missed his yearly prostate cancer screening. So, he grew concerned when routine blood tests revealed elevated PSA levels throughout the summer of 2024. Woody’s urologist referred him to for an MRI and biopsy, which led to a diagnosis of high-risk prostate cancer.
“I was really frightened,” said Woody, who had no symptoms. “But I'm from Brooklyn. I play to win.” That fall, Woody opted for a robotic prostatectomy with urologic cancer surgeon Dr. Bashir Al Hussein, who removed Woody’s tumor and his prostate, which had grown to the size of a grapefruit.
Woody had a smooth recovery. “With a cancer this aggressive, we plan ahead for the possibility that it could return," said Dr. Al Hussein. "We monitored Woody's PSA closely, caught the recurrence early while it was still very treatable, and brought in our radiation oncology team for radiation and hormone therapy."
After successful treatment, Woody now shows no sign of cancer, is back to swimming at the 92nd Street Y and celebrating family milestones such as his son’s United States Marine Corps graduation. He’s also become an advocate for cancer awareness and screening. “Don’t deny yourself the chance to get treated early and comprehensively.”
This , join us in celebrating Woody’s good health and learn more about prostate cancer screening: https://bit.ly/4ju2oym
Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine