President Barry Mills says his recent prostate cancer diagnosis will not impact his ability to carry out responsibilities, including traveling for the capital campaign.
"I don't have any doubts that I will be able to continue at the same intensity and commitment I have," Mills said.
Mills was diagnosed with prostate cancer on March 15. Students and employees received notice of his diagnosis via email the next day.
"You never expect it to happen to you," said Mills's wife, Karen Gordon Mills. "But it happens to not be uncommon."
According to College Physician and Director of Health Services Dr. Jeff Benson, prostate cancer is the "most common non-skin cancer of men in this country." It accounts for approximately 230,000, or one third, of new cancers diagnosed each year.
"More than 70 percent of new prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and it occurs only extremely rarely in college age and young adults," Benson said.
Mills, 54, is younger than the average male diagnosed with cancer. Since his cancer was found in its early stages of development, the chance of a complete recovery is higher.
Mills has a number of treatment options. Since the cancer is growing slowly, he has more time to consider these different treatments.
"I have a few months to investigate different treatments," Mills said. "I am beginning to investigate."
Mills and his wife have spoken with several people with similar experiences with cancer. Mills noted that around the second or third week of April he will have an idea of the treatment he will take. He will not, however, start treatment until after Reunion Weekend.
"I know there is some concern that this [diagnosis of cancer] might slow me down, but this is a slow-growing cancer and I don't think it will slow me down," Mills said.
Mills said that if he decides to take on any treatment needing a recovery time, he will plan to recover over the summer.
"I will be the same energetic person I've always been," Mills said, regarding what he believes will be his condition in the fall semester of 2005 if he takes the treatment and recovers over the summer.
Mills does not expect to be away from the campus much more than he had already planned.
He has several trips planned for the capital campaign. President Mills will continue to travel and will coordinate his medical visits around these trips.
Mills added that there will not be any change in the College's operations.
"I do not see my role changing a whole lot over the next few months," said Mills. He also noted that he has a "wonderful senior staff" that will continue to carry out its duties on campus.
"I think he is extremely committed to the college," said Mrs. Mills."I don't think this will be a big disruption. He has a great team, lots of people who can work with him."
Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration & Treasurer S. Catherine Longley agreed that Mills's condition will not affect his duties.
"All of the senior staff is pitching in to help President Mills. That being said, we really don't expect him to miss a beat. Other than perhaps a few more calls and a few more meetings, it should be 'business as usual' and our jobs, including the President's job, will get done," Longley said.
Mrs. Mills noted also how the President's family has been supportive during this time. She said their three boys have pulled closer to them.
"When you have a supportive family, it makes a big difference, because everyone puts their best foot forward and has a positive attitude," said Mrs. Mills.
President Mills said many members of the Bowdoin community have showed their support by seeking him out and warmly telling their experiences.
"The Bowdoin community has been incredibly supportive," Mills said. "It is very gratifying and comforting."
"This is a part of life," said Mrs. Mills. "People in a community like this help each other. This is a special thing about this place and we are very grateful we are here in this community."