By Natasha Dowdy Gordon
When the news broke that former President Joe Biden had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it reminded us all that no one—no matter their position, power, or profile—is immune to health challenges. But this moment shouldn’t just be about one man’s diagnosis. It should be a wake-up call for every man, particularly those most vulnerable to this silent but serious disease.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, an estimated:
- 299,010 new prostate cancer cases will be diagnosed
- 35,250 men will die from the disease
These are not just numbers—they are fathers, brothers, husbands, grandfathers, and friends.
The Crisis Among Black Men
Among those affected, Black men bear a disproportionate burden. This is not just a health concern—it’s a public health emergency that demands more awareness, more research, and more community support.
Here are the hard facts:
- Black men are about 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men.
- They are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
- Prostate cancer in Black men often appears at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.
- Black men are also less likely to be offered early screening or advanced treatment options, even when presenting with similar symptoms or risk profiles.
Why the disparity?
It’s not one single reason—it’s a combination of:
- Genetic predispositions
- Limited access to quality healthcare
- Cultural and systemic barriers to screening and treatment
- Distrust in the medical system
- Lack of awareness or delayed diagnoses
Many Black men are also less likely to talk about health issues openly, leading to delays in getting tested or receiving care. That’s why it’s so important to create safe spaces—within families, faith communities, barbershops, and beyond—where men feel empowered to speak up and seek help.
Prostate cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. But when symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the hips, lower back, or thighs
These symptoms can overlap with other health issues, but they should never be ignored.
Let’s be clear: a prostate cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. In fact, when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of nearly 100% for localized cases.
Treatment options include:
- Active surveillance (monitoring slow-growing cancer)
- Surgery (removal of the prostate)
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy (in advanced cases)
The best treatment plan depends on your age, stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences. But none of those options can help if the cancer isn’t found early.
Screening usually begins with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and possibly a digital rectal exam (DRE). Guidelines vary, but experts recommend:
- Men at average risk: Begin screening at age 50
- Men at higher risk (especially Black men and those with a family history): Begin screening at age 40–45
Regular testing could be the difference between life and death—especially for Black men, who are not only more likely to get prostate cancer, but to get it younger and more aggressively.
Get tested. Know your risk. Start the conversation.
Because prostate cancer may be silent, but your voice could save a life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bfy0HmFB28
