In a personal announcement during Lacey’s official Prostate Cancer Awareness Month proclamation, Mayor Andy Ryder revealed that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Ryder shared his experience to raise awareness about early detection and encourage men to prioritize their health.
“This Proclamation, in particular, is sitting very close to home because, as I speak, I'm currently up in Seattle after my second day of treatment for prostate cancer,” said Ryder.
The mayor disclosed that he initially kept his diagnosis private after learning about it earlier this year, uncertain about his treatment options.
“You hear that you have cancer, and you don’t know what the next step is,” Ryder explained.
After consulting with medical professionals, he opted for a course of treatment but still hesitated to make his condition public until now.
Ryder emphasized the importance of using his platform to raise awareness, saying,
“When I realized this is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and as the mayor of Lacey, I have prostate cancer, I knew I had to take this time to make sure the word gets out as much as possible about early detection and awareness.”
“If you’re a man, take the time to go get checked. All it takes is a simple blood test, and you can find out where you’re at.”
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men in the United States, with one in eight men affected during their lifetime.
It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men.
However, early detection dramatically improves survival rates, with nearly 100% of cases being treatable if diagnosed in the earliest stages.
Ryder expressed gratitude to his fellow city officials and his family, for their support throughout his journey.
Paul Eldenburg, a Lacey and Olympia Prostate Cancer Support Group member, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of testing even in the absence of symptoms.
“You can have prostate cancer and not know it, as there are very few symptoms. If you wait too long, the cancer will leave the prostate gland and spread to other organs,” Eldenburg explained, sharing his personal experience and the work his group does in guiding newly diagnosed men through their treatment options.
Council member Michael Steadman commended Ryder for his transparency, calling it “bold leadership.”
Steadman added, “Andy will make himself vulnerable if it helps one person, and that’s what we need more in the world—people doing the right thing.”
Ryder concluded by expressing hope that his story would encourage at least one person to take preventive action.
“If I can, by being public about this, encourage one person to go out there, get tested, and catch it early, saving their life, then this time has been well spent for me,” he said.
The official proclamation recognized the critical role of awareness in fighting prostate cancer and encouraged the community to promote education, screenings, and early detection.
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