Harry beat prostate cancer with Versa HD – and got his life back

For Harry Branson, life has always been about connection – whether playing duplicate bridge, attending Philadelphia Orchestra concerts, or spending time with his three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. At 87, Harry’s days are filled with family, photography, and the simple joys of retirement in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. But in the summer of 2024, Harry’s world shifted when a routine PSA test revealed a concerning result.

The diagnosis, prostate cancer, came after a series of tests and a PET scan that thankfully showed no metastasis. Nevertheless, Harry was shaken. “I had never been treated for cancer before,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what to expect.” When Harry’s doctor advised radiotherapy, Harry trusted the expertise of his care team. “Radiation was the recommended path, and I felt confident in that decision,” he says.

Harry’s treatment involved 28 sessions with Elekta’s Versa HD linear accelerator. Each morning, he would arrive at the hospital, greeted by the welcoming staff. “They made a mold to position me perfectly for each session,” Harry explains. “The technicians were superbly trained and made me feel safe and respected. The whole process took about 30 minutes, and the actual therapy was over in just 10.”

“I didn’t experience any side effects, and the treatment was over before I knew it.”

Despite his initial uncertainty, Harry found the experience far more comfortable than he had imagined. “I’d rate the comfort level a five out of five,” he says. “I didn’t experience any side effects, and the treatment was over before I knew it.” By the end of his course, Harry’s PSA had dropped dramatically – from 9.59 before treatment to just 0.028 by December. “That’s what my urologist was hoping for,” he says, relief evident in his voice.

Radiotherapy allayed my concerns about my prostate cancer. My quality of life is good now, and I’m grateful for that.”

For Harry, the most profound impact of radiotherapy was the peace of mind it brought.“Radiotherapy allayed my concerns about my prostate cancer,” he reflects. “It’s not like chemotherapy; it didn’t upset my body. My quality of life is good now, and I’m grateful for that.” This sense of relief allowed Harry to focus on what mattered most: spending time with his family, enjoying music, and savoring the everyday moments that make life meaningful.

Throughout his journey, Harry’s family has been a constant source of strength and encouragement. Their unwavering support helped him navigate not only the challenges of cancer, but also the side effects of hormone therapy that accompanied his treatment. “They’ve responded with love and encouragement,” he says, acknowledging both the difficulties and the hope that remain. Even as he looks forward to the day when his hormone therapy ends, Harry’s optimism and candid humor shine through: “My main wish is that my sex life returns before I die,” he says, never losing sight of what makes him feel whole.

Perhaps the most telling testament to Harry’s experience came after his treatment ended. Feeling grateful for the care he received and the technology that made it possible, Harry sat down and wrote a heartfelt letter to Elekta’s CEO. In his note, he thanked the company for developing and maintaining the Versa HD linear accelerator, praised the skill of the technicians, and described how the system made him feel comfortable and confident. For Harry, reaching out was more than an expression of gratitude; it was a way to give back, to let others know that hope and healing are possible, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Learn more about radiotherapy, how the treatment process works and other frequently asked questions.