Barry Savage had known for nearly 20 years through PSA testing that he had a slow-growing form of prostate cancer, one that simply could be monitored over time through twice-annual blood tests.

The 30-year U.S. Air Force officer moved from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Upstate South Carolina so that he and his wife could be closer to his two sons.

After the move, his cancer began to grow, prompting the need for Savage to seek out treatment options. Surgery was not for him, he said, so he was elated to learn about CyberKnife at Gibbs Cancer Center.

“Things just work out the way they’re supposed to sometimes,” he said. “We just had this peace about moving out here. We had never lived in the South, but we knew it was right.”

CyberKnife is the world’s first and only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors throughout the body, non-invasively, in five treatments or less.

Radiological oncologist Dr. Dan Fried gave Savage careful attention and time explaining the CyberKnife procedure, along with risks and benefits.

Prostate cancer affects one out of every eight men in the U.S. and is the most common type of cancer among men other than skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

Unlike other common cancers that grow and spread quickly, prostate cancer is relatively low-risk, slow-growing and highly treatable, especially if detected and monitored early on in the process.

In April 2024, Savage underwent five radiation treatments through CyberKnife followed by several months of oral cancer treatment for hormone suppression. 

“Dealing with cancer is not just physical, but emotional and spiritual. It’s a challenge,” Savage said. “Yet if you look at it the right way, it gives you an opportunity to reach out to others who may be struggling, and you can provide that bit of hope.” 

Since then, Savage has regained his strength and is back to his regular regimen of weekly exercises. 

“It’s amazing the way it has worked out,” he said. “Before, I didn’t talk about it that much, but since I've had the treatment, I’ve discovered there are so many people lacking connections. They don’t know anyone who has gone through it, so being more open about it has helped people know they’re not alone.”