Charlotte Prostate Cancer Community Rally Early Education Screening Panel Discussion

Dr. Crawford began by explaining PHEN’s mission to put an end to the African American prostate cancer disparity.

His presentation included defining what the prostate is, its size, and what prostate cancer means. Dr. Crawford also explained that the American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts prostate cancer cases to have an 80% increase over the last 5 years. He went over the prostate cancer statistics in North Carolina and the disparity between White and Black men. The ACS also ranks North Carolina as the 7^th state with the highest prostate cancer death rate. The best solution is early prostate cancer screening, says Dr. Crawford.

The panelists included:

• Prostate cancer survivor Mr. Jimmy Hacket, a member of the Little Rock AME Zion Church,
• Antonio Knox, a prostate cancer survivor and former Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi,
• 16-year prostate cancer survivor John B. Richardson, a member of Omega Psi Phi, and
• Joshua McLure, Health Promotion and Community Outreach Manager at Atrium Health.

Mr. Richardson explained that he was diagnosed at 47 years of age and chose to have his prostate removed in 2008. This shows why early detection is key, as the disease can hit Black men in their 40s. Mr. Hacket was diagnosed with prostate cancer in his 70s and also explained that early detection screening is lifesaving. Both men emphasized the need for annual physical exams. Dr. Knox explained his journey with prostate cancer and radiation treatment.

Mr. McLure explained how his clinic has seen men coming in with late-stage disease (stage 3 and stage 4 prostate cancer), which is why he is passionate about getting men screened early in various neighborhoods to improve their outcomes.