June 4th 2024.
Former Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame center and current Miami Heat executive, Alonzo Mourning, recently underwent a procedure to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with Stage 3 prostate cancer in March 2024. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread beyond his prostate and he is now cancer-free thanks to the successful procedure.
In an interview with ESPN, Mourning shared his experience and urged other men to prioritize their health by getting regular prostate exams, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. He expressed his fear of the disease, emphasizing that many men may be unknowingly living with prostate cancer. He also revealed that there are currently 3.3 million men in the United States who have prostate cancer but are unaware of it, just like he was.
Mourning also recounted his initial shock upon hearing the news from his urologic oncologist, Dr. Sanoj Punnen, who immediately ordered further testing to ensure that the cancer had not spread. Despite feeling physically fit and strong, Mourning was reminded of his kidney transplant and the importance of taking care of his health.
He also stressed the importance of regular screenings, stating that if he had ignored getting checked, the cancer would have spread and potentially become fatal. As men, we often avoid going to the doctor, but Mourning's story serves as a reminder that early detection is key in preventing deadly diseases like prostate and colon cancer.
Mourning hopes to break the stigma surrounding men's health and encourages others to be proactive about their well-being. He believes that open and honest discussions about health issues are crucial in promoting overall wellness. As he reflects on his own experience, Mourning is grateful for routine checkups and urges others to prioritize their health as well.
According to research, Black men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer compared to other racial groups. They are 70-110% more likely to develop the disease and twice as likely to die from it. As a result, new guidelines recommend that Black men start getting their PSA levels checked at age 40.
Dr. Isla Garraway, a medical doctor and professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, explains that these guidelines were created specifically for Black men to help them survive prostate cancer. She believes that early detection is crucial in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates among this high-risk population.
In the end, Mourning's story serves as a reminder to all men, regardless of their race, to prioritize their health and get regular checkups. Early detection can save lives, and it is crucial for men to be proactive in taking care of their well-being. As Mourning puts it, "We live in a world where it's taboo among men to talk about health issues. But if I didn't get routine checkups, I probably wouldn't be here to talk about this. I want men to be proactive with their health."
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