By Tarshua Carter Williamson
(Source BlackDoctor.Org.)
Nearly a year after Montell Jordan was diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer and underwent a prostatectomy as treatment, the “This Is How We Do It” singer has revealed that follow-up scans detected cancer has returned and is in his lymph nodes.
The Grammy-nominated singer appeared on Today Show to share the health update with his fans.
“I always imagined I would be telling my prostate cancer story from the other side of prostate cancer because I had a radical prostatectomy surgery. My prostate was removed.”
“There were clear margins,” Jordan said. “Close to a year post-prostatectomy, I still need to go back and have additional treatments because it’s [been] detected that there is still cancer.”
He felt called to share his story, which he’s doing in a documentary called “Sustain,” premiering next year. He also partnered with the nonprofit ZERO Prostate Cancer to raise awareness of the importance of regular prostate cancer screening for Black men.
Stages of Prostate Cancer
According to Johns Hopkins Hospital, the following clinical stages are used to describe prostate cancer:
Stage I
T1: The tumor cannot be felt during the DRE or seen during imaging (e.g., a computed tomography (CT) scan or transrectal ultrasound). It may be found when surgery is done for another medical condition.
T1a: The tumor is discovered accidentally during a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the abnormal growth of benign prostate cells. Cancer is only found in 5 percent or less of the tissue removed.
T1b: The tumor is found accidentally during BPH surgery. Cancer cells are detected in more than 5 percent of the tissue removed.
T1c: The tumor is found during a needle biopsy that was performed because of an elevated PSA level.
Stage II
T2: The tumor appears to be confined to the prostate. Due to the size of the tumor, the doctor can feel it during the DRE. The cancer may also be seen with imaging.
T2a: The tumor has invaded one-half (or less) of one side of the prostate.
T2b: The tumor has spread to more than one-half of one side of the prostate, but not to both sides.
T2c: The cancer has invaded both sides of the prostate.
Stage III
T3: The tumor has grown outside the prostate. It may have spread to the seminal vesicles.
T3a: The tumor has developed outside the prostate; however, it has not spread to the seminal vesicles.
T3b: The tumor has spread to the seminal vesicles.
Stage IV
T4: The tumor has spread to tissues next to the prostate, other than the seminal vesicles. For example, the cancer may be growing in the rectum, bladder, urethral sphincter (muscle that controls urination) and/or pelvic wall.
When Did Montell First Learn About his Condition?
On December 3rd of last year, his 56th birthday, Montell posted a video to his social media. In the video, Montell doesn’t physically share any words, instead he used handwritten signs and turned the pages through each one to tell the story. One slide says that his wife, kids and extended family has been his tribe. Another slide read that his church was an incredible inspiration to keep going.
Throughout the video, he shared what he learned: He said he can do hard things, but he can’t do hard things alone.
What Saved Montell’s and Could Save Other Men’s Lives
In Montell’s first heartfelt video, he said early detection saved his life. And honestly, it can save the lives of so many other Black men.
Prostate cancer can be detected early through screening tests, which are available for men without symptoms. The two most common tests are:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. PSA levels vary with age, and higher levels can indicate a problem with the prostate, including cancer. However, PSA levels can also be elevated by other conditions, such as prostatitis and BPH.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
A physical exam where a doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or other abnormalities. DRE is no longer recommended as a routine test for men without symptoms.
If either test is abnormal, further testing may be needed, such as a prostate biopsy, MRI scan, or transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy.
“I would go regularly to my doctor for screenings, and at that time — we’re talking over a decade ago — most prostate screenings were kind of taboo,” Jordan shared. “(Doctors) have to go in through the rectum and do the finger check, and so I would do that, and they were taking blood samples.”
Having more than a decade’s worth of PSA tests led to Jordan’s early diagnosis.
“Because I was going and had a history of what my blood levels were like, that’s how they were able to detect it,” he says. “Hearing that it was early on, that it was first stage for me … which is treatable, that was probably the saving grace.”
Early detection of prostate cancer is important because it can lead to a better prognosis. Almost 100% of men with early-stage prostate cancer survive more than 5 years after diagnosis, compared to about one-third of men with advanced prostate cancer.
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be frightening and alarming for anyone, yet Jordan felt hopeful that doctors found it early.
“Early detection is the thing that allows me to have a choice to treat (my cancer) and live and to continue giving myself the best quality of life possible,” he says.
How Can His Cancer Come Back after Having His Prostate Removed?
Yes, prostate cancer can return after surgical removal (radical prostatectomy), with the most common sign being a rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.This is called biochemical recurrence and may signal local or distant disease, potentially requiring further treatment like salvage radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Treatment decisions depend on factors like the PSA level, its rise rate, and imaging results from tests like PSMA PET scans.
Signs of Recurrence
Rising PSA Levels:
A persistently rising PSA is the most common indicator that the cancer may have returned.
Symptoms:
You may also experience new symptoms, though these can have other causes and don’t always indicate a return of cancer. These can include:
Difficulty urinating
Bone pain
Unexpected weight loss
Trouble getting an erection
Blood in your urine or semen
How Recurrence is Detected
PSA Testing: Regular blood tests to monitor PSA levels are crucial after surgery.
Imaging Tests:
*CT and MRI Scans: These scans help determine if the cancer has spread.
*PSMA PET Scans: These advanced PET scans use a tracer to find where the cancer has spread, even at low PSA levels, and can help guide treatment strategies.
Biopsy:
*A biopsy can confirm the presence of returning cancer.
Treatment Options for Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Treatment depends on the location and extent of the recurrent cancer and can include:
*Salvage Radiation Therapy:
Radiation directed at the prostate area or pelvic lymph nodes to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
*Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy):
This treatment can suppress the cancer, often using drugs like Lupron for a period of time.
Salvage Prostatectomy
In rare cases, a second surgery may be performed to remove recurrent cancer, though it is a complex procedure.
Other Treatments:
Depending on the situation, other options like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or novel targeted therapies may be considered
“I’ve already had a fantastic quality of life even following my prostate removal,” declares Jordan. “So I believe that even after this next treatment that I have to do, it will eradicate the cancer from my body and still have a great quality of life moving forward.”
Our prayers our with you, Montell!
