Nevada man shares cancer journey, urges early detection

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – More than two million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society.

In Nevada, prostate cancer is projected to be the second-leading type of cancer diagnosed in 2024. It is also the leading cause of cancer death in men across the country.

Alex Garza, a native Nevadan, is a husband, and father of three. He received his first cancer diagnosis at the age of 46.

“My mother who was battling her own cancer who was on the tail end of her cancer noticed I was utilizing the restroom a lot and said you need to get tested,” Garza explained.

He initially ignored the warning signs like needing to use the restroom more frequently and blood in the urine.

“Waiting those four years completely changed my life, the treatment became more severe, and lifelong consequences became more severe,” he said.

After getting the prostate-specific antigen blood test, he received the bad news.

“How do you tell a child daddy is going to be okay or daddy may die? It’s a hard thing to manage,” he said.

Garza underwent surgery and was in remission for nearly a year when it came back a second time. He endured nearly 40 radiation treatments including hormone therapy. All of that wasn’t even the hardest part he said.

“The hardest part of the cancer journey isn’t the pain and misery that you have to go through because you can endure,” he expressed. “Most individuals are strong enough to endure it when they dig deep into who they are. It’s seeing the stress and emotional drain it puts on your family and that’s something you can’t control.”

Now eight years cancer-free his new mission is advocating for cancer patients and trying to get more funding for research and early detection.

“I will tell you this isn’t just for men. My mother lost her battle to cancer because she didn’t go get tested early,” he added. You asked me earlier what my advice is man, woman, whatever you identify as go get tested.”

Garza is a man on a mission to help others get tested and hopefully stop cancer in its tracks. Early detection he said can save your life.

In addition to frequent urination and blood in the urine other symptoms include unexpected weight loss, fevers, and pain in the hips, back, or chest. Those at the most at risk for prostate cancer are black men, Hispanic men, and those with a first-degree relative who has had prostate cancer.

Garza is a big advocate for cancer research and a big event that he helps with is Las Vegas’ Lights of Hope ceremony that will take place on August 28th from 6-8 p.m. at Harley Davidson Las Vegas near the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign. All money raised goes towards our mission to make fighting cancer a national priority.

For more information about prostate cancer screening guidelines click HERE. The American Cancer Society offers 24/7 cancer support via 1-800-227-2345.

To learn more about getting involved with advocacy (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) CLICK HERE.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.