State Sen. Yager jumps from plane for cancer awareness

State Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, found a unique way to celebrate his own cancer-free status while bringing awareness to prostate cancer and men’s health.  

Yager jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 ft above ground to celebrate over one year of being cancer-free and raise awareness for prostate cancer. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September of 2022.  

Since then, he has been a strong advocate for men to proactively get regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, which Yager says saved his life. As the 2023 Men’s Health Man-of-the-Year, Yager partnered with Tennessee Men’s Health Network (TMHN) and completed the jump with TMHN Executive Director Mike Leventhal. 

“This was a thrilling experience that I never thought would be possible when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago,” said Yager. “Because of one simple PSA test and the grace of God, I am on the other side of cancer. Today, I am grateful to be able to live life to the fullest and take on a new exciting adventure thanks to early detection, an incredible team of doctors and most importantly prayers from friends and family.” 

Yager was named Man-of-the-Year in 2023 by TMHN for sharing his journey with prostate cancer to raise awareness for other men of the importance of getting their PSA tests. 

“Beating prostate cancer is well worth celebrating, and I’m grateful to be able to celebrate with Sen. Yager in such a big way”, explains Leventhal. “Sen. Yager’s one-year-anniversary of defeating a disease that daily takes the lives of fathers, husbands, and friends also allows for an opportunity to raise awareness for early detection and regular physician visits. Tennessee Men’s Health Network is proud to be a part of this celebration and hopes that all men will take proactive action regarding their health and well-being.” 

Tennessee Men’s Health Network (TMHN) is a nonprofit educational organization of physicians, researchers, public health workers, individuals and other health professionals. TMHN is committed to improving the health and well-being of men through education campaigns, data collection and work with health providers to provide better programs and policies on the health of boys and men. 

“I am very grateful to Men’s Health Network for the work they do in bringing awareness to men’s health,” said Yager. “I encourage all men to regularly get their PSA checked. Early detection is the best way to beat this disease.” 

According to Men’s Health Network, 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and approximately 30,000 die. However, if the disease is caught early, it is often treatable.