When One Missed Screening Leads to a Shocking Diagnosis: Hassan’s Prostate Cancer Journey
August 27, 2026
For many men, routine medical care and screenings just aren’t a priority. But, up until 2023, Hassan Sharif was the perfect example of a man focused on maintaining his good health. He was active, never smoked, didn’t drink alcohol, and took his routine medical care seriously - seeing a regular primary care doctor and getting prostate cancer screenings as recommended. Cancer was never on his radar.
In 2024, Hassan’s father passed away. From that point, Hassan spent more time traveling to Kernersville to support his mother, and when balancing that transition along with his successful technology career, wife and two children became challenging - he began putting off his routine doctor’s visits and screenings.
In August 2025, Hassan began experiencing some unusual urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, increased urinary frequency, and minor pain. He suspected a urinary tract infection (UTI) and visited urgent care for answers. When the UTI test came back negative, he was referred to a urologist, but the specialist’s limited appointment availability meant he’d have to wait months for an appointment.
During that visit in January 2026, they identified an enlarged prostate, but the urologist explained that this was fairly common and that prostate cancer remained an unlikely diagnosis. They suspected an infection, and he was treated with Flomax. But when things didn’t improve after a few weeks, it was time for scans and a biopsy to find out if there was something more behind his symptoms.
Hassan will never forget receiving the life-changing phone call that would soon turn his world upside down. He and his family were on vacation together in Miami, and the four of them gathered together for a telehealth visit where Hassan was told he had Stage 4 prostate cancer. At first, it didn’t seem real. But when he received the referral to WakeMed Cancer Care, it clicked. He had cancer, and it was time to fight for himself and his family.
He recalls his first visit with the WakeMed Cancer Care team and his oncologist, Dr. Vijay Chaudhary. “This was the moment it all became real, when we started talking about chemotherapy,” Hassan said. “At the same time, the way Dr. Chaudhary and his team explained everything in great detail and walked us through their comprehensive approach to treating my cancer gave me a real sense of peace. I was ready to get started and fight for my life.”
Dr. Chaudhary recommended a three-pronged approach to treating Hassan’s aggressive prostate cancer using chemotherapy alongside two medical therapies, androgen deprivation therapy (leuprolide) and a nonsteroidal antiandrogen therapy (darolutamide).
“The WakeMed Cancer Care team has been amazing,” explains Hassan’s wife, Ylenia. “Dr. Chaudhary and our nurse practitioner Kim, along with the oncology nurses, have supported us every step of the way - taking their time with us, answering every question, addressing concerns, and keeping us informed. While we knew his treatment would be a journey, they gave us confidence that Hassan would pull through with a positive outcome.”
His chemotherapy began shortly thereafter, and while it was physically challenging, Hassan’s infusion visits with the WakeMed Cancer Care team were met with support and encouragement. “We really appreciated and enjoyed the oncology nurses and staff there - they really provided a high level of care.”
This August, Hassan concluded his final of six chemotherapy sessions. He shared the great news that his PSA has decreased from 34 ng/mL down to just 0.10 ng/mL. His symptoms have resolved and he’s feeling great. “After that first chemo treatment, I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to live - it was so hard and everything felt so wrong. Fortunately, I had my wife and family by my side, and an incredible treatment team.”
Today, Hassan remains on medical therapy and will continue to have follow-up appointments and testing to ensure the cancer remains at bay. “When you have Stage 4 cancer, no one will ever tell you that you’re ‘cancer-free,’ but getting back to feeling like myself, and knowing that the cancer isn’t growing or spreading is enough for us. I’m just so grateful to be here, and thankful for the way I feel every day,” Hassan said.
Looking ahead, the Sharifs look forward to traveling more together and enjoying every moment. “This has all been an important reminder that life is too short to waste. Losing my parents, being diagnosed with cancer - it changes your perspective in a good way,” Hassan concluded.
Black Men & Prostate Cancer: An Important Reminder
While Hassan’s story is unique, it’s also all too rare. Men and women of all races and backgrounds of ‘the sandwich generation’ (individuals generally in their 30s to 50s who are balancing both the needs of children and aging parents) often forgo routine medical visits and screening tests due to life’s demands.
But when it comes to prostate cancer, Black men in particular need to focus on prevention - and that means regular PSA testing starting between the ages of 40 and 45. While it’s still rare in younger men, prostate cancer affects Black men more often than white men. In fact, research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute confirms that the incidence of prostate cancer among African American men is 64% higher than among Caucasian men, and the mortality rate is 2.3 times higher. Yet, prostate cancer screening rates remain low, particularly in African American men, with self-reported rates as low as 33 percent.
“I remember seeing an ad about the importance of PSA testing once during the Super Bowl, and even though I’d had the screening done, I didn’t really know what it was,” Hassan said. “Looking back, my 2023 screening showed my PSA was 4.0 ng/mL, which is on the higher side of normal. Skipping that year of testing in 2024 probably meant the difference between an earlier stage cancer and the stage 4 diagnosis that could have cost me my life. If I could offer one piece of advice for other Black men, it’s this: educate yourself on the risks of prostate cancer, get your screening every year, and pay attention to your body if you feel like something is wrong.”
Because Hassan was so young, many of the doctors he saw throughout his early symptoms offered false reassurance that he was ‘too young’ for prostate cancer. Fortunately for Hassan and his family, they pressed on and advocated for continued answers. Hassan and his wife want to encourage others to focus on screening, early detection, and self-advocacy. They’re eager to help others avoid a late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis by sharing their story.
“If I can help even one person, I want to do that. It’s been a scary journey, and I’m just so grateful for my WakeMed care team, including Dr. Chaudhary, Kim, and our chemotherapy nurses.”
About WakeMed Cancer Care – Hematology & Medical Oncology
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