Riding for prostate cancer awareness

For Patrick Johnson, a corporate CEO and inventor of an LED light therapy device called Celluma, cancer was an unexpected detour in an otherwise active life. The dedicated cyclist rode a few hundred miles each week, balancing his professional life with his passion for fitness.

For over a decade, he and his company, Biophotas Inc., had collaborated with the UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute, known for groundbreaking research in medical technology. As a member of the UC Irvine CEO Roundtable since 2019, Johnson also was very familiar with the university's impact on healthcare and the community, including the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In the fall of 2022, Johnson was planning to participate in his first UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge as a prelude to a European cycling trip. "I was looking for training rides for my planned ride across Spain later in the year," he recalls. "The Anti-Cancer Challenge was a perfect opportunity to combine my training with a meaningful cause."

The cause was deeply personal for Johnson, who lost both parents to cancer several years earlier. It took on even greater significance when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer just weeks before the 2022 Anti-Cancer Challenge.

A routine test had revealed elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in his blood, prompting Johnson to seek immediate expert testing and care. His primary care physician referred him to Dr. David I. Lee, director of the UCI Health Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Program and one of the nation’s leading experts in robot-assisted prostatectomy.

Early detection

While high levels of PSA aren’t necessarily an indicator of prostate cancer, Johnson underwent additional tests, including scans, a physical exam and a biopsy, which confirmed that he had an early-stage tumor.

The good news: It was confined within the walls of the prostate gland, which made him a good candidate for Lee’s minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Johnson had surgery in January 2023 and went home the same day. He has had no recurrence or unwelcome side effects since then, says Lee, who continues to monitor Johnson’s health.

“Catching it early allowed me to choose aggressive treatment,” says Johnson. “I wasn't going to wait and see what would happen.”

Johnson’s proactive approach to his health was shaped by his family history. "My mom battled breast cancer, and my dad battled colon cancer. I learned from their experiences that it's important to be vigilant and decisive in treatment."

Raising awareness

His experience gave Johnson’s participation in the 2024 Anti-Cancer Challenge (pictured at right) new meaning. He tackled the 100-mile road bike route and rallied his industry colleagues. Together, they raised more than $10,000 for critical research at the cancer center.

"It was an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience," he says.

Johnson, 64, recently finished the North Coast 500, an eight-day, 550-mile cycling tour of the Scottish highlands in June. Now he's preparing to ride with his team in this year's Anti-Cancer Challenge on Oct. 11 to raise awareness and research funds.

He also hopes his story will inspire others to be proactive about their health. That includes getting regular PSA tests along with their other annual exams to detect early signs of prostate cancer.

"People need to take responsibility for their health and wellness,” he emphasizes. “We are blessed to have a renowned academic health system like UCI Health right around the corner. But you must want to take care of yourself. You have to be serious about it."

Learn more about the UCI Health Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Program ›

Learn how you can participate in the ninth annual UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge on Oct. 11, 2025 ›

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