‘Trust your instincts’: UK HealthCare employee shares prostate cancer journey

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 6, 2025) — After losing his father to a rare blood cancer when he was young, Matthew Horn made a commitment to prioritize his health. That dedication may have saved his life when, at age 43, he advocated for himself to get a test that would lead to a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Today, as the director of ambulatory clinical operations for pediatrics at UK HealthCare, Matthew shares his story to raise awareness about the importance of prostate cancer screening, especially for younger men.

UKNow: What motivated you to be proactive and request a test from your doctor?

Starting in my early 20s, I was the guy who went every single year for my primary care appointment — no one had to tell me. Having lost my father at age 4, I knew there could be something in my family history that I needed to keep an eye on. Because of working hard to live a healthy lifestyle, my bloodwork was always textbook perfect and didn’t need to take any regular medications.  I was used to my annual appointment being uneventful.  

During a routine checkup in 2019, I requested a PSA test, which is a simple blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. My primary care physician initially dismissed my request because he felt I was too young to be tested and because I wasn’t having any symptoms of prostate issues. I almost let it go but felt a strong intuition in that moment that I needed to insist on the test. I’m thankful that I followed that instinct and advocated for my health.

UKNow: Could you walk us through the moment when you first received your diagnosis?

It was devastating and surreal. I was exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and doing everything right from a healthy lifestyle perspective, so I couldn’t understand how this could happen. At my age, men don’t typically have prostate cancer unless it’s aggressive, which mine was. It took a while for the reality to sink in — there were times I felt like I was almost dissociating from it because it just didn't seem real.

UKNow: After your diagnosis, how did you approach making decisions about your treatment options?

I explored all treatment possibilities, including holistic approaches. I even tried juicing carrots every day after reading a book about alternative treatments. I worked closely with Elizabeth Smith, an advanced practice provider in urology at UK HealthCare, who was fantastic throughout my treatment journey. I still follow up with Elizabeth for regular checkups to make sure I am cancer free.

I ultimately decided on surgery and had a radical prostatectomy. I didn’t want to risk having the cancer spread, and I wanted the most definitive treatment option. The surgery was successful, and I didn’t need any radiation or chemotherapy afterward.

UKNow: As a UK employee, how did you balance your work responsibilities with your treatment and recovery?

I kept working throughout most of my journey. It gave me focus and a sense of normalcy. I was very private about my diagnosis initially, only telling a select few people. Looking back, that might have been a mistake because cancer can feel very isolating. After you find out you have cancer, it feels like you’re standing alone in the spotlight of the universe — but not in a good way.

UKNow: What were some of the most challenging aspects of your cancer journey?

One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the long-term effects of surgery. Even now, I still have some nerve issues affecting my bladder. There were also emotional challenges — especially as a father. The realization that I might die and leave my wife and children while my children were still young was very difficult for me. Having lost my own father at a young age, I was determined to be there for my children. I wasn’t the only person coping with cancer. My wife and children also had a difficult time. My children became more protective of me after the diagnosis.

UKNow: How has this experience changed your perspective on men’s health and preventive care?

It’s made me realize how important it is to advocate for yourself. A few years after I had surgery, I had genetic testing and found out I had a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. That reinforced the importance of early screening and genetic testing.

Now I’ve become somewhat of a one-man support group wherever I’m needed, talking to other men about prostate health concerns. I’m willing to answer any question to help someone on their journey, no matter how personal or potentially embarrassing the question may be.  I’ve also been advocating for increasing prostate cancer screenings at different events throughout Kentucky.

UKNow: What message would you share with men who might be putting off their routine health screenings?

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  It is the second most frequent cause of cancer death in men with one in 40 men dying of the disease. 

That hour it takes to go to the doctor is worth it. A simple blood test and digital rectal exam could save your life.   

UKNow: How has this experience influenced your outlook on life?

The blessing of cancer — if there is one — is that it makes me appreciate life differently. Having that constant reminder helps me live life today and not get bogged down with distractions. It’s helped me be more understanding of others too — everyone has a story, and I never know what someone else is going through. This experience has taught me to be kinder and more present in each moment.