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Is the Prostate Cancer Plot on ‘And Just Like That’ Realistic?

BBG News

In the current season of “And Just Like That…”, Harry Goldenblatt finds himself pondering if his health might be declining. During the June 26 episode, this charming character of Charlotte’s transitions from an embarrassing incident in a nightclub to unwillingly belonging to a group he’d prefer not to be associated with. Interestingly, despite this, he notes that this group also includes Robert De Niro, Warren Buffett, and Nelson Mandela.

As they walked past the Guggenheim Museum during twilight, Harry confided in Charlotte about the reason for their evening stroll: “I had some unusual health issues and needed a doctor’s appointment.” Upon hearing the news, Charlotte empathized, “It seems we both wanted an escape from our kids.” Unbeknownst to her, however, Harry was diagnosed with prostate cancer. This revelation struck fear in his wife. But Harry tried to ease her worry, saying, “Don’t be afraid; we caught it early, so everything should be alright.

Although Charlotte might not be thrilled with Harry’s announcement, certain professionals are enthused by this progression. In fact, Dr. Phillip Koo, the chief medical officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, expresses his excitement about this narrative development. He notes, “I’m overjoyed about this plotline because discussions and awareness around prostate cancer are usually concealed.” Men tend to shy away from discussing it, as they often project a tough exterior, especially when the topic revolves around organs that men associate with their masculinity. Dr. Koo finds it wonderful that we’re increasing awareness in this area.

However, just because the show portrays a situation, it doesn’t automatically make it an accurate representation. To shed light on the realism of Harry’s prostate cancer experience, we consulted experts. Here’s what they shared about the reality of prostate cancer and what men should be aware of:

(Note: The original sentence is grammatically correct but may not sound as natural to some readers.)

Creative liberties

Later on during the season, Harry visits a doctor due to two concerning health issues, which provided some amusing moments for viewers. Prior to this incident, Harry was out socializing with Charlotte at a golf course. Charlotte was attempting to arrange an art exhibition for her gallery. As the group prepared to attend a following party, Harry had an unexpected mishap in the restroom. He found himself struggling to unfasten his expensive jeans due to their numerous buttons. “Oh dear, oh dear,” he murmured. “Why are there so many buttons?” And before anyone could realize what was happening, Harry accidentally wet himself. “I’m glad these pants are so dark,” he said to Charlotte when they reunited. “No one will notice they’re damp.

In the following episode, Harry encounters difficulties in his intimate moments with Charlotte. Puzzled about what seems to be happening below, he laments that it feels out of character for him. “Is this a sign of things to come?” he worries. “Knock, knock,” he muses, “Who’s there? Aging!

In the recent installment, Harry finds himself diagnosed with prostate cancer due to certain symptoms he’s been experiencing. However, Dr. Julia Willingham, a urologist at Texas Oncology, notes that the show may have taken some creative liberties here, as early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms at all. This is why the disease, which will affect over 313,000 men in the U.S. by 2025, is sometimes referred to as a ‘silent killer’. Typically, this condition is detected through a routine Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a blood screening test that most men, with average risk, should consider getting every couple of years or so, starting around age 50. The exact frequency depends on an individual’s age and specific risk factors.

In cases where a man’s Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level is elevated, doctors usually perform a biopsy and may also conduct additional tests such as Computerized Tomography (CT) scans or Bone scans to ascertain the diagnosis. Often, men express surprise, saying something like, “Oh my goodness, I feel wonderful,” or “There’s no way I could have prostate cancer; I don’t have any symptoms.” Yet, it is not uncommon for these tests to reveal the presence of the disease despite the absence of noticeable symptoms.

A more likely path to diagnosis

Prior to the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test becoming an approved diagnostic method in 1994, men often recognized issues due to urinary retention rather than experiencing Harry’s incontinence. This condition can manifest as difficulty initiating urination, a weak flow, trouble completely emptying the bladder, or even the inability to urinate at all. Dr. Mark Pomerantz, clinical director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, explains that “the prostate is located in a bustling area.” Specifically, it’s situated beneath the bladder and the urethra. If a large prostate tumor arises, theoretically, it could press against this tube, leading to urinary retention.

On other occasions, I’ve encountered instances where prostate cancer had spread beyond the prostate, leading to distressing symptoms affecting various body parts. As Dr. Pomerantz puts it, “Prostate cancer often prefers bones.” This was quite common before the introduction of PSA testing. People would unexpectedly arrive at the emergency room with severe back pain, and upon X-ray examination, it was discovered that they had metastatic prostate cancer that had spread to their spinal bones. Fortunately, we don’t witness such cases as frequently nowadays due to the availability of early detection tests like PSA. However, when symptoms do occur, it usually indicates that the disease has progressed significantly.

As a movie buff, I’d put it this way: If Harry were a real person, there’d be a strong indication that his health issue might be quite severe. However, it could still be confined within his prostate – a term we call ‘local’. But for the symptoms he’s exhibiting, the tumor would need to be quite advanced to reach that stage.

In a nutshell, Pomerantz points out that Harry’s journey towards diagnosis is “unusual rather than common,” suggesting that these symptoms aren’t usually what triggers a diagnosis for prostate cancer. However, he explains why the show’s creators might have decided to focus on urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction because they are well-known side effects of treating prostate cancer, even though they are not typically the symptoms that prompt a diagnosis.

In some cases, doctors may suggest a strategy called active monitoring or delayed treatment for prostate cancer. However, if the cancer is aggressive, surgeons often perform a prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate. This procedure can lead to side effects. According to Pomerantz, during surgery, both the prostate and the urethra that runs through it are removed. The remaining urethra is then moved up and connected to the bladder’s bottom, creating a new pathway for urine. This connection can be delicate, potentially causing issues like leakage. Additionally, there are vital nerves near the prostate responsible for controlling the sphincter muscle that keeps the bladder closed. If these nerves are damaged during surgery, it could lead to the side effects portrayed in certain shows.

A natural reaction

Throughout the episode, Charlotte, who had vowed not to reveal Harry’s diagnosis to their children, found it challenging to keep her feelings in check. During a previously arranged camping trip, she frequently lost her temper with her kids, emphasizing the need to cherish every moment spent together. She seemed on the brink of an emotional collapse. This response is entirely normal, according to experts.

Koo mentions that everyone seems to frequently discuss a certain topic, which he refers to as “the C word.” He suggests that people’s thoughts often leap to the most dire outcomes, and the ways in which this condition could affect their lifespan. Many men express concern about their ability to continue working and how their illness might impact their family’s financial stability. Koo notes that a person like Harry, who has young children, may question “How will I be able to provide for them?” Such worries are heart-wrenching, regardless of the optimism surrounding the diagnosis.

A welcome spotlight

Experts believe that Harry’s diagnosis might motivate more men to undergo prostate screenings, as Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Orlando Health, explains: “Men should not worry about prostate cancer screening. It’s similar to getting your cholesterol checked – it’s just a simple blood test.

Prostate cancer is a common condition in males, and it’s often treatable, particularly when detected early. Unfortunately, more men live with prostate cancer than those who die from it. As opposed to some of the rarer forms of cancer, regular screenings can significantly improve health outcomes.

Over the past while, Willingham has noticed more men taking the initiative for screenings, and she emphasizes that awareness is strength. Thus, she appreciates the latest plot in Harry’s storyline. In her words, “The more we understand, the better equipped we are to take charge of our health.” This is why she encourages everyone to schedule those routine checks, prioritize self-care, and stay informed about their bodies. “Regarding cancer or other health issues like urinary or sexual problems, don’t hesitate to discuss these matters with your doctor,” she advises. “Remember, we can manage and address these concerns effectively, so you don’t have to endure unnecessary discomfort.

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2025-06-27 06:06

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