PHEN Marketing Director Ms. Tomeeka Miller moderated a panel discussion about generational needs and personal prostate cancer journeys from survivors. She shared a video clip of prostate cancer survivor Rausan Battle who was diagnosed with the disease at a young age. He first started experiencing symptoms in his late 30s.

The panelists who shared their prostate cancer survivorship stories included:

• Mr. Llewellyn “Llew” Fambles, PHEN Ambassador
• Mr. Antonio Knox, Prostate Cancer Survivor, 40th Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
• Mr. Michael “Muffy” Collins, President, Run from Prostate Cancer
• Mr. Johnnie Richardson, Jr., Prostate Cancer Survivor

Mr. Knox spoke about the help he received from his spouse/caregiver who ensured all their questions were answered when they spoke with his doctor. Mr. Collins oversees the Run from Prostate Cancer organization and began this work after seeing family members affected by prostate cancer. Mr. Richardson also shared his story of being diagnosed early in life.

“My story is a little unique. I was at the age of 46 when I was diagnosed. During that time period, I did hear about prostate cancer,” said Mr. Richardson. “I had two uncles who had prostate cancer and both of them died from prostate cancer. The year was 2008 when it happened and, basically, I had no symptoms at all… I usually take my yearly PSA examination and, this year, it came back at 4.7.”

Mr. Fambles and others spoke about how their caregivers attended their medical appointments and provided real support during their prostate cancer treatments. Mr. Collins also spoke about how he has helped form running and walking clubs to help men improve their physical activity. Others emphasized the importance of early detection screening.

“Don’t wait. Go and get checked because early detection gives you so much more of a chance [for survival],” concluded Mr. Knox.