What are the key challenges for Black men in prostate cancer screening?

Black men may not be checked as often for prostate cancer because they might not know to ask, or doctors may not think to ask them about their prostate health.

What led to the diagnosis of prostate cancer in the article?

The author experienced trouble emptying his bladder, leading his nurse practitioner to order a PSA test which revealed significantly elevated protein specific antigen levels.

What are the recovery challenges after prostate cancer surgery?

Recovery can be rough, involving pain, potential incontinence and erectile dysfunction, managing catheters, wound care, fluctuating energy levels, and significant mental challenges such as fear and introspection.

Home / Health / My Prostate Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Survivor

My Prostate Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Survivor

9 Feb

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Summary

Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer.
Early PSA blood tests are crucial for detecting prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer recovery can be challenging, both physically and mentally.

My Prostate Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Survivor

A personal account details the journey of a Black man diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2025. He describes experiencing urinary issues, which led to a PSA blood test revealing significantly elevated levels. Further testing confirmed the diagnosis, coinciding with an event he was eager to attend in Las Vegas.

He emphasizes that Black men may not receive adequate prostate cancer screenings due to lack of awareness or physician oversight. Following his diagnosis, he opted for surgery in January 2026, which was followed by a challenging recovery period involving a hospital stay and complications.

The recovery process, including managing a catheter and wound care, has been physically demanding and mentally taxing, marked by moments of fear and introspection. Despite the hardships, he is embracing his new identity as a survivor and advocating for others to prioritize prostate health.