montell Jordan Announces Return of Cancer After Prostate Surgery, Advocates for Screening
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Singer Montell Jordan disclosed on September 4, 2024, that follow-up scans revealed cancer had spread to his lymph nodes nine months after undergoing surgery for prostate cancer. The artist is now preparing for targeted radiation therapy and hormone treatment to prevent further progression of the disease.
This development comes after Jordan’s initial diagnosis in early 2024 of Stage 1 prostate cancer, which later advanced to Stage 2, triggered by elevated prostate-specific antigen levels detected during routine screenings spanning over a decade. His experience underscores the critical role of proactive health monitoring, especially within the Black community, which faces disproportionately higher risks and lower survival rates related to prostate cancer.
The Fight Continues: Jordan’s Treatment Plan
Jordan described the upcoming treatment as a seven-and-a-half-week interruption of life to make sure that I have a longer life,
in a recent interview with TODAY. He will receive targeted radiation therapy alongside hormone blockers, aiming to eradicate the cancer and maintain his quality of life. Despite the challenging news, Jordan remains optimistic, stating his belief that the treatment will be successful.
The initial diagnosis, even for someone maintaining a healthy lifestyle – including moderate eating and drinking, regular exercise, and abstaining from alcohol and smoking – was a shock. Tho, early detection provided a crucial advantage. 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,
Jordan explained.
Disparities in Prostate Cancer and the importance of Screening
Jordan is partnering with ZERO Prostate Cancer to champion regular screenings, with a specific focus on raising awareness among Black men.According to ZERO, Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer 1.7 times more frequently than men of other ethnicities and are over twice as likely to succumb to the disease, as reported by TODAY.
Did You Know?
Prostate cancer frequently enough presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making routine screenings vital for timely detection.
Because of the often asymptomatic nature of the disease, many men remain unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage.Routine screening offers a near 100% survival rate for Black and African American men when the cancer is detected early.
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Black Men vs. Other Men (Diagnosis Rate) | 1.7x higher |
| Black Men vs. Other Men (Mortality Rate) | 2x higher |
| Early Detection Survival Rate (Black/African American Men) | ~100% |
| Jordan’s Initial Diagnosis Stage | Stage 1 (progressed to Stage 2) |
Jordan acknowledges the hesitancy some Black men may have regarding screenings, frequently enough stemming from stigma or distrust. He is sharing his personal story, and will feature in a documentary titled Sustain, set to premiere next year, to encourage others to prioritize their health. I’m trying to give a template for people that get diagnosed with this to, one, know they have options available to them,
he told TODAY. And,two,in the mix of what that looks like,it’s OK to cry. It’s OK to shake your fist at God. It’s OK to navigate and do what you need to do, but doing nothing is not an option.
Pro Tip:
Discuss prostate cancer screening options with your doctor, especially if you are a Black man or have a family history of the disease.
Jordan’s openness about his journey extends beyond his personal experience; it’s a call to action,empowering others to recognize the life-saving potential of early detection and the importance of open communication about health concerns.
What steps will you take to prioritize your health and encourage screenings within your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Would you consider participating in a documentary about health disparities if given the prospect?
Prostate Cancer: A Growing Concern
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, with an estimated 299,010 new cases expected in 2024 (American Cancer Society).While frequently enough slow-growing, it can become aggressive and life-threatening if left undetected. Risk factors include age, family history, and race, with African American men facing the highest risk. Early detection through screenings like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE) remains the most effective way to improve outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
- What is prostate cancer screening? Prostate cancer screening typically involves a PSA blood test and a DRE to check for abnormalities in the prostate gland.
- Why is early detection of prostate cancer crucial? Early detection considerably increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
- Are Black men at higher risk for prostate cancer? Yes,Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer more frequently enough and are more likely to die from it than men of other races.
- What are the treatment options for prostate cancer? Treatment options vary depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, and may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
- How can I support prostate cancer awareness? You can support prostate cancer awareness by encouraging men to get screened, donating to research organizations, and sharing information about the disease.
