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| A mobile prostate cancer screening bus |
September is officially Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This guide is designed as a resource and educational tool for Black men.
To kick off Black History Month, SiriusXM's UrbanView 126 Clay Cane had one of the most engaging talks with Dr. Linda McIntrye. McIntrye is one of the former past presidents of R. Frank Jones, the Black Urological Association.
In the engaging 30-minute conversation, Clay, a New York Times bestseller, asked questions every man always wanted to know about the prostate and prostate cancer. They tackled everything from the correlation between masturbation and prostate cancer to digital rectal exams and blood tests to debunking many of the myths related to erectile dysfunction, pumpkin seeds and procedures to cure the silent disease. They even discuss the association between breast cancer and prostate cancer risks with family members.
In fact, many of the urologists we engage with aren't armed with the information needed to answer the questions Black men have related to the prostate and prostate cancer. Some of that may be due to cultural incompetency and other factors. The must-here conversation is available on demand via the subscription-based SiriusXM app until Tuesday, September 8. You can listen by signing up for a free trial or contact 1-866-635- 2349.
Factoids: Black Men And Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer impacts Black men disproportionately.
Prostate Cancer is a silent disease. Usually there are no symptoms or warning signs.
One out of five Black men will be impacted by this disease during their lifetime.
In a study consisting of 500 Black men, over 50 percent never discussed a Prostate Cancer screening with their doctor. Morehouse Medical School
The silent disease is curable if caught early. Screenings are essential.
Screening Ages and Black Men
Black men 40 or older should be screened annually. Black men with a family history of the disease should begin screenings at age 35. However, if you haven't had a conversation with your family, how would you know this?
Most urologists only require screenings between the age spans of 40 to 70. If you're over 70, you should continue to be screened annually. If you're not being screened, how would you know if you're living with the disease, before it spreads and becomes untreatable?
For Black men over the age of 70 experiencing difficulty finding an urologist willing to provide a paid screening, consider changing urologists. Prostate cancer can occur and spread if not treated even after the age of 70.
Note: Screening ages differ for other groups. Most media sources and researchers aren't accurately accounting for Black men when they note this community should begin screenings at ages 45 or 50. Heed the recommendations in this guide. The ages noted in this guide are based on evidence and supporting research of Black men who acquired the disease well before the age of 45.
Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
The free screening will only involve blood being drawn from one's arm. No rectal exam will be performed. However, with your private doctor, both should be requested. According to many urologists, there are times that a blood test will not reveal signs of prostate cancer, whereas a rectal exam could present such.
For those in the Atlanta area here are a list of free screenings for the month of September:
Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening | Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Sunday, September 6, Douglassville, GA (click on the Winship Cancer Institute link
Saturday, September 12; Welcome All Park (10 AM - 2 PM)
Thursday, September 24; Northside Hospital-Johnsferry Rd. (5:30 PM - 8 PM)
For men outside of Atlanta and in other states, conduct a Google search seeking free prostate cancer screenings throughout the month of September.
Prostate Cancer Resource Tools
Podcast:
To learn more about the disease and how to fight it, access an engaging, unfiltered educational podcast with the R. Frank Jones Urological Society. This is the only Black urological association in the United States.
To retrieve the podcast, Google: Auto Trends with JeffCars.com and podcast.
"A Conversation for Black Men: A Candid Prostate Cancer Talk"
Books- Print/Audio:
If you're in need of a reference book, pick up a copy of Dr. Patrick Walsh's book: Surviving Prostate Cancer. Walsh is a pioneer in treating the disease.
Every Day I Fight is the cancer fighter and the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott's personal memoir detailing his journey battling cancer. Its raw and candid. This book will inspire those in the battle, as well as give caretakers, doctors, loved ones, family and friends a better understanding of the cancer journey through the lens of a Black man, who fought and battled the disease before the age of 50.
Financial Resources:
If you need financial resources to fight the disease, contact ZEROcancer.org.
If you're seeking financial discounts with fertility or freezing sperm prior to starting cancer treatment, contact Livestrong Foundation.
After Care Assistance:
Check with your urologist or continue to look for one who can serve your needs.
Boston Scientific is a great resource tool for those in need of advanced incontinence care. Find a qualified urologist who can help improve one's quality of life.
Cancer Support Groups
If you need a support group, contact during and/or post cancer:
ZEROcancer.org. - This group is specifically designed for prostate cancer survivors.
Special Request
Please share the information in this guide with all of the Black men you know, ages 35 and older. This guide could possibly save their life.
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