Marathon Runner Hopes to Inspire Others to Get Screened for Prostate Cancer: “It was a Wake up Call”

October 2025

Steve Morrison, a 56-year-old marathon runner with a clean bill of health, wasn’t expecting any surprises at a check-up with his primary care physician at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH). He scheduled the visit after his family's encouragement, simply because it had been a while – not because he had any health concerns.

“I felt completely fine,” he said. “I haven’t been very good at getting regular checkups, since I exercised, ate healthily and felt good.”

During the visit, Steve’s primary care physician, Ken Kay, MD, recommended a PSA test. A PSA test is a simple blood test used as a screening tool. It measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a person’s blood, and if it’s elevated may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The screening is recommended for men aged 50 and older.

That simple test altered Steve’s life.

“Realistically, he probably saved my life,” Steve said. “At the time, I wasn’t aware of PSA tests. If he hadn’t recommended a PSA, I’m not sure what the outcome would have been.”

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

In recent years, prostate cancer rates have risen. Unfortunately, so have the cases of people diagnosed in advanced stages, according to the ACS. According to the ACS' annual prostate cancer statistics report, prostate cancer diagnoses increased by 3% annually starting in 2014.

Screening is important because early detection saves lives.

“There are no signs or symptoms of having prostate cancer, that’s why the only way to detect it is through screening, which would involve a blood test and prostate exam,” said Dr. Kozlowski.

Steve’s primary care physician ordered another PSA test to confirm the elevated level of PSA. There was a chance it could have been a false positive, but the second test again showed an abnormal result.

Steve then received an MRI, revealing a lesion on his prostate. He then had a biopsy, and the diagnosis was confirmed: Steve had prostate cancer.

“It was surreal,” Steve said. “It made me think I’m not indestructible. Being a marathon runner, you have to push yourself beyond your mental limits to achieve your goals. The first thing I thought was, I’m going to attack this thing. I’m going to overcome this.”

And like a race, that’s how he approached treatment, both emotionally and physically he shifted his mindset and got to work.

Steve was referred to Paul Kozlowski, MD, a urologist at VMFH and prostate cancer expert.

“Dr. Kozlowski is fantastic,” said Steve. “He told me when we first met that we were part of the family, and he followed through on that. He’s been a great advocate.”

Steve underwent surgery to treat his prostate cancer. Dr. Kozlowski created a personalized treatment plan for him, and together they agreed on the best approach for his care. In May, Steve was prepped for surgery, and the cancer was removed. It was a success.

Today, Steve is cancer-free.

Steve said he hopes his story can help others.

“It was a wake up call for me. Please learn from my experience and get tested,” he encouraged. “Early detection leads to better outcomes.”

Men 50 and over should get screened for prostate cancer.

To help raise awareness for cancer screenings and to make testing more accessible, VMFH has pioneered unique screening events. In partnership with local sports teams, cancer screenings for prostate, lung and other common cancers are available at an unlikely place: sporting arenas.

“At VMFH, we wanted to go to the patients, instead of having patients come to us. We thought sporting arenas would be a great place to bring awareness of prostate cancer screening to men in our community,” said Dr. Kozlowski.

Sports fans can swing by a designated area at the game to have a simple blood draw taken. The screening is quick and confidential, and test results come back in a short time. If an elevated PSA level is detected, a follow up is recommended either with a urologist or primary care physician.

Last year, screening events were coordinated with three local Seattle sports teams, the Seahawks, Mariners and Kraken. Hundreds of men were screened for prostate cancer, and of those who were screened, around 10% came back with elevated PSA levels.

“It is important to screen for prostate cancer because catching the cancer early provides us the best chance of cure for our patients,” said Dr. Kozlowski.

Since undergoing cancer treatment, Steve is lacing back up his running shoes and getting back to training. He has run the Boston Marathon twice, and he hopes to complete the World Major Marathons, which consists of seven different marathons around the world.

Steve says he hopes men take one thing away from his story.

“Get screened,” he said. “Please get educated and talk to your doctor to understand your risks. Learn and understand your family history of cancer and other medical conditions. A family history can lead to increased risk of prostate or other cancers. Then, follow through to have screenings completed (now and as required based on your risk profile).”