Shelby County health fair screening helps judge executive catch Stage 4 cancer just in time

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- What was supposed to be a routine stop at a local men’s health fair turned into a life-changing moment for Shelby County Judge-Executive Dan Ison.

Ison attended last year’s annual men’s health fair in Shelbyville to show support — not necessarily to get screened.

“I've always come to support it,” Ison said. “It's a great opportunity for our community, but I never participated.”

But a nudge from his wife and a little back pain he had been brushing off convinced him to get checked. What doctors found blindsided him.

“They said I had Stage 4 cancer,” Ison said. “I didn't think I was going to get out of the hospital. I had waited too long.”

It was an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Within days, Ison underwent a biopsy and began treatment.

Dr. Kellen Choi, a urologist with UofL Health, performed the initial screening at the event and said the outcome could have been much worse.

“We really did save his life,” Choi said. “Oftentimes, as in judge Ison’s case, prostate cancer doesn’t show symptoms until it’s too late.”

Choi said the screening was quick, relatively simple and ultimately lifesaving.

“We were able to get the diagnosis immediately with the biopsy and get the right treatment on time,” Choi said.

A year later, Ison is still fighting cancer — and fighting with gratitude. He’s changed his diet, lifestyle and outlook. He even keeps a sense of humor.

“My doctor will say, ‘Dan, you do realize you have Stage 4 cancer,’ and I’ll say, ‘Doc, you do realize there’s a Stage 3? We can go backwards,’" Ison joked.

He now urges every man in Shelby County to take the event seriously.

“I’m alive today because of that men’s health fair,” he said. “I cannot urge people enough — go get tested.”

This year’s Shelby County Men’s Health Fair is scheduled for Friday, June 21. The event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about the health fair, click here.

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Shelby County health fair screening helps judge executive catch Stage 4 cancer just in time