El Pasoan Robert Farmer shares his experience with prostate cancer and reminds us of the
importance of early detection and overcoming stigmas
After 12 years of treatment for prostate cancer, lifelong El Pasoan Robert Farmer is enjoying long motorcycle rides with his wife, gathering with close friends and, most importantly, being cancer-free.
And as the world recognizes World Cancer Day on Tuesday, Feb. 4, Farmer feels blessed to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and access to quality care.
"The second the doctor says you have cancer, it’s like everything else fades out. They keep talking, explaining, but you’re stuck on that one word, ‘cancer,’ trying to wrap your head around it while the rest just turns into background noise," said Farmer, who was diagnosed in 2012. "You know it’s there, and you just want it gone. So, when I got the prognosis of ‘no cancer,’ it was a huge relief. It was great to know it was out."
Farmer shares his experience with others to demonstrate how resilience and hope can support the fight against this disease.
Initially, Farmer received treatment in our Borderplex, undergoing radiation therapy in El Paso in 2015. However, his battle was far from over.
“Unfortunately, the cancer came back,” Farmer said. “We had to travel to MD Anderson Cancer Center for treatment.”
The trips to the renowned cancer center in Houston were grueling, but necessary.
“The trips back and forth to MD Anderson were hard — physically, mentally, and financially,” he shared, still remembering the exhaustion he felt on the plane rides home.
Despite these challenges, Farmer’s determination paid off. On Dec. 6, 2023, he underwent surgery to remove his prostate and now proudly celebrates being cancer-free.
But just because Farmer won his fight with cancer, didn’t mean he stopped fighting the disease. Today, he emphasizes the critical role of early detection and prioritizing regular screenings to anyone who will listen, including friends, family and motorcycle buddies.
Farmer spoke this past December during Lighting Campus for Hope at Texas Tech Health El Paso. An annual holiday tradition, Lighting Campus for Hope raised cancer-prevention awareness and $255,000 to provide 1,350 life-saving cancer screenings for residents of our Borderplex.
“I’d like to encourage all men here to get your prostate checked,” he said. “We’re nothing without our health.”
Prostate cancer rates, according to the CDC, have also fluctuated over the years, with a notable decrease from 2007 to 2014 and an increase from 2014 to 2021. Rates dipped in 2020 due to COVID-19-related disruptions in cancer care but have since rebounded.
Early detection, Farmer stressed, can make all the difference. And after enduring cross-state trips to MD Anderson, Farmer is excited about the Steve and Nancy Fox Cancer Center, set to break ground this year on the Texas Tech Health El Paso campus. The Fox Cancer Center will bring comprehensive cancer care to El Paso, allowing patients to get the help they need locally.
“I’m so happy to know that El Paso will have this world-class cancer center, and people will not have to leave El Paso for life-saving treatments,” he said.
When completed, the cancer center will alleviate the emotional and financial burdens of traveling for care, ensuring cancer warriors can receive compassionate cancer treatment close to home, surrounded by their family and friends.
The cancer center has been made possible by significant investments and community support.
In 2023, the Texas legislature approved $65 million for its planning and construction. Soon after, community leaders Steve and Nancy Fox, along with their daughters Paige and Ashley, announced a historic $25 million investment to help bring the area’s first comprehensive cancer center to life. The Paso del Norte Health Foundation further contributed in September 2024 with a $5 million grant to support the recruitment of top-tier cancer specialists.
The anticipation for the cancer center gives Farmer more reason to spread his message of resilience, hope, and gratitude. He wants his journey to inspire others to value proactive health care and appreciate the transformative impact of local access to advanced medical care.
An additional layer of support for patients is the Cancer Center Patient Fund, established specifically for future Fox Cancer Center patients. Created by an El Paso family and strengthened by community champions, the fund aims to alleviate the financial burden of cancer treatment.
Make a donation today and support families in our Borderplex in their battle against cancer. Thanks to a matching gift from a generous donor, your gift will have twice the impact.
With the Fox Cancer Center on the horizon, Hope Begins HERE at Texas Tech Health El Paso, thanks to you.
Battling cancer together
Hope begins HERE at Texas Tech Health El Paso, where cancer prevention and
support ensure a brighter future for cancer warriors in our Borderplex. For more
information about how you can help, please contact andrea.tawney@ttuhsc.edu or
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