Radio host Jerry Howarth battles prostate cancer at 70

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The man behind the voice of the Blue Jays play-by -play for 36 seasons, Jerry Howarth, was diagnosed to have a prostate cancer and is scheduled to undergo for a cancer surgery this week.

It was five years ago when test results show a high level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in Howarth's blood. Biopsy was done but failed to detect prostate cancer. Nevertheless, the growth was later then detected in the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

According to CBC Sports, Howarth, 70, gives credits to MRI in his statement in CTV with Pauline Chan for detecting the growth of the cancer in his prostate. He is also supporting a study to determine the best method for prostate cancer screening by his cancer specialist, Dr. Robert Nam of Sunnybrook's Odette Cancer Center in Toronto.

As per Prostate Cancer Canda, prostate is part of the male reproductive system that gives nutrients and additional fluid to sperm.  However, some prostate cells may lose normal control of growth and division and becomes prostate cancer. This disease is most common to affect Canadian men. One out of ten are diagnosed with this type of disease without ever having the cancer detected for years.

Most common signs and symptoms of this disease includes difficulty in urinating, urgency to urinate frequently especially at night, burning sensation or pain when urinating, inability to start and to stop urine flow, painful ejaculation and blood in the urine or semen.

PSA test, digital rectal exam, biopsy, MRI, grading and staging are the tests to be involve to increase the chances of cancer to be detected in its early stage. Active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, Hormone therapy and Chemotherapy are also the common treatment options to be made.

In line with this, between 2003 and 2012, the death rate has been declining significantly by almost 3.1% from improved testing for prostate cancer and better treatment options.

Jerry Howarth is one of the many prostate cancer victims that benefited to the increasing awareness and through the improved testing and better treatment options available.

The Blue Jays took to Twitter, saying, ".... Wish the incomparable Jerry Howarth a speedy recovery in his fight against prostate cancer. Hope to see you in the booth soon!"

Blue Jays open their pre-season schedule on February 25 against that Atlanta Braves in Orlando, Florida. Toronto will play its first home game of the spring next day against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dunedin's Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.