Breaking the Silence on Prostate Cancer in Black Men
You may know Montell Jordan for his signature track “This Is How We Do It.” At the African American Wellness Project (AAWP), we know him as something more: a powerful voice in the fight against prostate cancer.
Last year, Montell was diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer, which later progressed to Stage 2. Thankfully, it was caught early, thanks to regular PSA (prostate-specific antigen) screenings he had maintained for over a decade. Now undergoing radiation and hormone therapy, he’s chosen to speak out publicly, urging men, especially Black men, to take screening seriously.
His story is one of survival and strength, but more importantly, it’s a call to action. This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, remember: early detection saves lives.
The Disparity Black Men Can’t Ignore
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the statistics are alarming:
- 1 in 6 Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime (vs. 1 in 8 white men)
- Black men are 50% more likely to develop the disease
- The mortality rate for Black men is more than twice that of white men
This isn’t just a medical issue. It’s about systemic barriers to care, cultural silence around men’s health, and mistrust of the healthcare system. Genetics play a role, but so do delayed diagnoses and lack of access to routine screening.
And here’s the challenge: With prostate cancer, as with many cancers, symptoms can be subtle and easy to miss. Too often, they’re mistaken for normal signs of aging.
“Unfortunately, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms until later stages,” says Dr. Michael LeNoir, African American Wellness Project (AAWP) founder and prostate cancer survivor. “That’s why knowing your risk and staying on top of screenings is critical.”
Common symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, blood in semen, or pelvic pain, can appear late. Click here for 7 signs you shouldn’t ignore.
The good news? When caught early, prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 99%. Getting a PSA test when your doctor recommends it could save your life.
Changing the Culture, Saving Lives
The path forward is clear: education, early detection, and open dialogue. Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history, should be screened regularly. But this movement isn’t just medical. It’s cultural.
We need to talk about prostate health in our homes, churches, barbershops, and community spaces without shame or stigma. When public figures like Montell Jordan speak up, they make it easier for others to do the same.
We’re not in this alone. AAWP works to address health disparities in the Black community and has developed tools and resources to support men and their families. In partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, AAWP has released a free guide filled with facts, FAQs, and actionable information for Black men and their loved ones.
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s follow Montell Jordan’s lead:
Break the silence.
Normalize early screening.
Talk to our fathers, brothers, uncles, and sons.
Save lives.
Because this is how we do it!
For more information, tools, and resources, visit aawellnessproject.org.
