Brothers in Battle: Americus Brothers Share Prostate Cancer Journey To Inspire Screening and Early Detection

AMERICUS, GA | September 8, 2025 – When George Edge sat in an Albany doctor’s office at age 46, he noticed a magazine headline that read, “170,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.” He never imagined he would soon be one of them.

George, now CEO of the Americus Housing Authority, had no symptoms when a routine PSA blood test revealed elevated levels. Hoping to lower his numbers, he turned to diet changes and holistic approaches, which did bring his PSA down. But when a second biopsy revealed cancerous cells, George faced a difficult decision. On his doctor’s recommendation, he went to Emory University for further evaluation, since he didn’t fit the typical profile of someone with prostate cancer.

In 2010, George underwent a prostatectomy. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread, and he did not require radiation or chemotherapy.

“God puts doctors and technology in our path to help us. Early detection, my faith, and the love and support of my wife and children gave me the strength to keep going,” said George.

George’s diagnosis was not an isolated case. The Edge family has been deeply marked by prostate cancer for generations. Their paternal grandfather and all of his sons battled the disease. George’s father underwent radiation treatments in the 1980s, but the cancer returned in the 1990s. Eventually, all four Edge brothers, George, Michael, Douglas, and Judson Jr. were diagnosed. Today, each of them is cancer-free thanks to early detection and treatment.

Michael Edge, who works in accounting at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, remembers how his journey began in 2013. Like his brother, he had no symptoms. Although his PSA levels were considered “safe,” his doctor recommended a biopsy because of his family’s aggressive history. The results confirmed cancer in two quadrants, with precancerous signs in the others. Michael underwent a prostatectomy that December.

“Early screening saved my life. I can’t stress enough how important it is to talk with your family and your doctor. Don’t wait. My brothers and I are proof that catching it early can mean the difference between life and death,” said Michael.

Michael also credits his wife as a crucial part of his recovery. “She was my rock. Cancer affects every part of your being, but family support makes all the difference,” he said.

For both George and Michael, the conversation now extends to the next generation.

“I have a son, and we’ve already started talking about early testing. It could be the difference between life and death one day,” said Michael.

The Edge brothers’ story is one of resilience, faith, and family, but it also serves as a call to action for other men.

“Don’t treat it like it doesn’t exist. Get screened. Early detection gives you more time with the people you love,” said George.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and with 1 in 8 men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center is stepping up efforts to promote early detection and to encourage men to take that critical step. To help raise awareness and encourage screening, Phoebe Sumter is partnering with local churches and community organizations to host a free “Hens & Haircuts” event for men in Americus and surrounding communities on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

This unique outreach offers frozen chickens and free haircuts along with prostate health education and PSA screenings for men ages 40 and older. The event will be hosted by Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Bishop Melvin McCluster, and supported by local churches, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

“Prostate cancer disproportionately impacts men in our region, especially African American men. The Edge family’s story is a powerful reminder of why awareness and screening matter. Events like Hens & Haircuts make it easier for men to get tested, and those simple screenings can truly save lives,” said Carlyle Walton, CEO of Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

Event Details:

· Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

· Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

· Location: 411 Cotton Avenue, Americus, GA 31709

· Cost: Free for men ages 40 and above

Partners include: Morehouse School of Medicine, Takeda, Samaritan Clinic, Phoebe Putney Health System, Albany Area Primary Health Care, Georgia Urology, the City of Americus, and area churches including Jackson Grove Baptist Church, Inspirational Temple, and Union Tabernacle Baptist Church.

By blending community outreach with personal stories like the Edge family’s, Phoebe Sumter hopes to reduce health disparities and improve early detection of prostate cancer across Southwest Georgia.