New York Giants Legend Harry Carson Faces His Toughest Opponent: Prostate Cancer

On the football field, Hall of Fame New York Giant linebacker Harry Carson was known for his relentless pursuit and bone-jarring tackles. Off the field, he channeled that same energy into a different kind of fight: advocating for men's health and early cancer screenings.

For years, in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, Carson has been the face of men’s health. He urges men to create a "game plan for better health" by scheduling routine screenings. He never realized the routine screenings he championed would save his life.

Earlier this year, Carson, who has been going to annual check-ups for thirty years, went in for a routine screening. The results showed that his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level had increased. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer.

He immediately turned to his longtime friend, Michael D. Stifelman, M.D, chair of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center, which was ranked the number 1 Urology Department in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital rankings. 

“Harry has been a passionate advocate for screening since he was 39,” says Dr. Stifelman. “Because he was so proactive and not afraid to get checked, we caught this early, before it had a chance to grow or spread.”

Finding a Successful Game Plan

Dr. Stifelman’s team repeated the test and then did imaging studies, which revealed an area that needed further testing. The next step was a transperineal MRI fusion biopsy—the newest, safest, and most effective technique. The state-of-the-art procedure combines detailed MRI scans with 3D ultrasound, allowing physicians to target suspicious tissue while significantly reducing infection risk.

The results confirmed a diagnosis of intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Dr. Stifelman and Carson reviewed all the options. Given Carson’s age and excellent health, they decided the best plan was to remove the prostate surgically. Carson underwent a robotic single-port (SP) prostatectomy, an innovative procedure performed at Hackensack. The single-port system allows the entire operation to be performed through a single, small incision below the belly button.

“This approach provides direct access to the prostate, resulting in less trauma to surrounding organs, a faster procedure, and a quicker recovery for the patient,” explains Dr. Stifelman. “It is the next wave in prostate cancer surgery.”

Carson’s surgery was a success and was completed in under two hours. While Carson was still in the operating room, pathologists looked at the tissue margins where the prostate had been removed. The results confirmed "clean margins," meaning all the cancer had been removed.

Continuing His Mission to Help Others

Today, Harry Carson is considered cancer-free with an excellent prognosis. Because the cancer was caught early and the surgery was so successful, no follow-up chemotherapy or radiation is needed.

“This will not bring Harry Carson down,” Dr. Stifelman states confidently.

Carson’s personal battle has only fueled his public mission. His story was a powerful centerpiece at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Annual Men’s Health Event on Saturday, September 20. His goal is to help men realize the importance of early screenings.

“Early prostate cancer does not typically cause symptoms: a man won’t know whether he has it without a test, but sadly, so many men drop the ball by skipping screenings—especially Black men, who have the world's highest incidence of prostate cancer.”

The Hackensack Meridian Health’s Annual Men’s Health Event, coordinated by John Theurer Cancer Center’s Community Outreach & Engagement team, provided screenings for prostate cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more, thanks to collaborators like Quest Diagnostics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, City of Hackensack, Becton Dickinson, and Man Cave Health. 

“Men don’t always prioritize their well-being,” says Dr. Stifelman. “By offering free health screenings, we're empowering men to take control of their health and catch potential issues early.”

The key message from Carson’s journey is undeniable. “Don't be afraid of what you might find,” Dr. Stifelman urges. “Many men have a ‘Superman’ complex, but what you don't know can hurt you. With the incredible advances in medicine and technology today, there is very little we can't handle when we find it early. Harry's story is a testament to that.”

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our expert: Michael D. Stifleman, M.D. 
• Make an appointment online for a PSA screening or call 800-822-8905.
• Learn more about Men’s Health at Hackensack Meridian Health.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.