Today is the last day of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. September hits me hard because I lost many family members to the disease, so let me say something so obvious that I am almost embarrassed to utter it; yet, the words need to be said: Black men need to go to the doctor.
There. I said it. But here’s the thing. Many of us are not going.
Prostate cancer is killing us. One in six Black men will be diagnosed with it and we are more than twice as likely to die from it than our non-melanated, IPA drinking brothers. We all know someone who has been diagnosed with it, and many of us know someone who has died because of it.
So why did I say we need to go to the doctor? Because 40% of Black men don’t have a regular primary care physician. In other words, too many Black men don’t have a doctor that they see regularly.
Related: Prostate Cancer Is Coming for Black Men, We Are Helping It Win
The natural next question is why. And well, it’s complicated.
Research has found that Black men report barriers to getting regular medical care including lack of insurance, difficulty getting appointments, transportation issues, and negative experiences with the healthcare system. Many also report feeling that doctors don’t listen to them or understand their concerns.
And listen, all that matters. Your doctor isn’t just supposed to be where you go when something hurts. Going regularly means they can catch small issues before they become problems you can feel. That is particularly important when it comes to prostate cancer. Because the symptoms of condition are often easy to miss.
Early stages of the cancer often have no symptoms at all. Zip. Zero. You can feel perfectly fine and still have it. That’s why screening matters.
(Warning. I’m going to get nerdy here for a second. Bear with me.)
The main screening test is a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures a protein made by the prostate. But a high PSA score doesn’t automatically mean cancer. Your age, race, family history and other factors matter too, which is why you need to have a conversation with a doctor. Preferably one you see regularly.
The reason you need to get screened is because when prostate does cancer shows up, it can sound like regular getting old stuff. Peeing more at night. A weak stream. Or burning when you pee.
Then there are the things Black men might hesitate to bring up. Blood in our semen; painful ejaculation or even trouble keeping an erection. None of this automatically means you have cancer. But they are worth getting checked.
OK. You need a doctor. So how do you find one. No worries. I got you.
If you can, find a Black doctor. That matters because you should feel comfortable talking openly about your health, your family history and the things happening with your body. Start with your insurance company’s website or a local community health center. And look for a primary care doctor who is taking new patients.
Wonder what you should be asking? I got you there, too. Ask them: When should I start prostate cancer screenings? Should I get a PSA test? What do my results mean?
Understand that you don’t need to know everything. You just need a doctor you trust enough to ask.
I’ve thrown quite a bit at you. But let me tell you why this matters.
Ever heard of Stokely Carmichael? He was one of the most recognizable voices of the Black Power movement. He helped popularize the phrase “Black Power,” and he was a symbol of Black masculinity for millions.
In 1996, doctors found out he had prostate cancer. Two years later folks were eating green beans and fried chicken at the repass after his funeral. He died at the age of 57.
I serve on the Advisory Board for the Center for Black Health and Equity. And I can say with authority that prostate cancer is killing us. Black men, it is time we start taking our health seriously. If you don’t have a doctor (and I know at least one brother reading this does not) get one quick, fast and in a hurry. That is a decision that could save your life.
