From Stage Four to Singing at Wrigley
Steven Daniel’s inspiring journey through prostate cancer.
Steven Daniel was already at stage 4 when diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. What began as escalating back and chest pain led to an Easter weekend hospitalization, launching what he calls an “amazing journey” of treatment, a clinical trial, and hope. Seven years later, Steven still works full-time and pursues his passions for improv comedy and singing. His positive approach to living well with cancer inspires us all.
Steven’s oncologist is Dr. Maha Hussain of Northwestern University, a renowned Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)-funded researcher and recipient of the first ever PCF Women in Science Lifetime Achievement Award. Her work, which has transformed care for men with advanced disease, includes a clinical trial of olaparib, a PARP inhibitor. Steven was part of the trial for about three years, and olaparib proved highly successful for him. It has since been approved for patients like Steven who have advanced prostate cancer and test positive for certain gene changes (mutations) that run in some families. After learning about Steven from PCF, CBS News featured his and Dr. Hussain’s story, sharing their message of strength and resilience for men and families nationwide.
When Steven’s PSA began rising again after the trial ended, Dr. Hussain adapted his prostate cancer therapy. He’s now on a combination of olaparib, abiraterone, and prednisone—a regimen that’s working “really, really well,” he shares gratefully. His PSA, which was a staggering 3,200 at diagnosis, has dropped dramatically. Recent scans showed no cancer progression—welcome news that keeps Steven moving forward.
Steven’s advice is to focus on hope. He keeps a gratitude journal, surrounds himself with supportive people, and embraces new experiences, from taking voice lessons to performing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Wrigley Field for PCF’s Home Run Challenge. “Look for the positive,” he urges. “You probably have faced challenges in your life before this. You got through them. You can get through this as well.”
Meet Steven and hear more about his inspiring story:
A Patient’s Journey: Steven Daniel (Prostate Cancer Patient Voices)
Patient Update: Steven Daniel