Stage 4 cancer survivor Phil Berube highlights impact of cancer research

Nearly four years ago, Phil Berube received life-changing news: He had Stage 4 prostate cancer that had spread to the bones throughout his spine and neck. Thanks to transformative advances in cancer treatment, what could have been a devastating prognosis instead offered possibility for healing and renewal.

As supporters raise funds for cancer research at UMass Chan Medical School, Phil's journey stands as a testament to the progress research has made and the hope it offers patients and families.

Today, the 75-year-old Sutton resident enjoys an active life, pursuing his lifelong music career and gearing up to take the stage with his Beatles tribute band at the UMass Cancer Walk at Polar Park on Sept. 27.

A lifelong musician, Phil spent much of his career balancing music with a profession in electronics. Before retiring, he worked as a lead electronics technician at Eastern Acoustic Works, a prominent manufacturer of professional audio equipment. Even today, he juggles performing with maintaining his property and spending time with family.

Phil’s cancer story began after more than a year of debilitating back pain. When treatments failed to provide relief, an MRI revealed the cause: prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones.

After a biopsy, Phil was referred to Kriti Mittal, MD, associate professor in the Department of Medicine/Division of Hematology-Oncology at UMass Chan, and her colleagues.

After reviewing the test results, Dr. Mittal explained while the cancer had spread, there was reason for optimism.

“She looked at everything and said, ‘This is Stage 4 disease, but highly treatable,’” Phil recalled.

The diagnosis was especially difficult for his wife of 46 years, Irene, and their daughter, Melissa. After the initial shock, Phil focused on moving forward. As part of his treatment plan, Phil enrolled in a clinical trial at UMass Chan, giving him access to leading-edge therapies made possible through ongoing cancer research.

Phil feels fortunate to have access to nationally recognized cancer research and care close to home through UMass Chan and UMass Memorial Health.

“We're fortunate to have this level of research and care right here in our backyard,” he said. “The work being done at UMass Chan gives people hope. That's why supporting cancer research is so important.

Recent scans have shown no detectable cancer, according to Phil.

The treatments have done wonders. I'm feeling great and living a normal life. Dr. Mittal and her whole crew saved my life. Everything she told me to do, I did, and everything seemed to work,” he said.

“Phil’s story is a powerful reminder of how advances in cancer research are creating new possibilities for patients,” said Dr. Mittal, whose research focuses on genitourinary cancers, including prostate cancer. “His treatment journey included participation in a clinical trial, which gave him access to innovative therapies and contributed to the excellent outcome he has experienced. Our research nurses were also a tremendous source of support throughout his care.

“Seeing patients return to the activities they love and continue enjoying life with their families is why we do this work. Continued investment in research helps us develop better treatments and bring more hope to people facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Phil is grateful for the impact of groundbreaking cancer research that helped make his effective treatment possible and credits much of his success to the compassionate care he received at UMass Memorial Health.

“Whether it’s the nurse practitioners, the aides, the people who help with my medications— everybody is fantastic,” he said. “I go in for a routine shot, and they still know me by name. They make you feel like friends.”

That personal connection is one reason Phil is passionate about supporting the UMass Cancer Walk and the lifesaving cancer research it helps fund.

“I know what they’re doing, and I know they’re getting closer every day,” he said. “Research is important because it gives people hope and gives doctors more ways to help patients.”

Cancer’s impact on Phil’s family spans generations. His mother survived breast cancer for more than two decades before the disease returned. All 14 of his mother’s siblings, he said, died from some form of cancer, reinforcing for Phil the importance of continued research and improved treatments.

Despite his cancer diagnosis, Phil has remained active and optimistic. He continues to perform regularly as bassist and vocalist with Beatle Memories, the Beatles tribute band he co-founded three years ago.

The group is thrilled to bring its energy and joyful sound to this year’s UMass Cancer Walk, performing fan favorites that celebrate the timeless music of the Fab Four.

“Who doesn’t love the Beatles?” Phil said with a laugh. “The songs bring back memories.”