In honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, four Black men who live east of the Anacostia River gathered to discuss their experiences with the disease and to stress the importance of routine testing. The men—Stuart Anderson, Lamont Mitchell (chair of the Anacostia Coordinating Council and founder of Know Your Numbers DC), Arrington Dixon (former chair of the Council of the District of Columbia), and Jimmy Williams (Washington Literacy Center)—spoke candidly about diagnosis, treatment choices, and the stigma that often surrounds prostate cancer in the Black community.
Why early detection matters
Research cited by the Michigan Institute of Urology, using American Cancer Society data, shows that prostate cancer occurs 73% more often in Black men than in white men. The region also has one of the highest per‑capita fatality rates in the nation, according to Zero Cancer, which reports that about 17 Black men die from the disease each day.
“Prostate cancer doesn’t care how strong you are. It cares how early you find it,” said Mitchell, founder of Know Your Numbers DC. He added, “Your zip code should never be your death sentence. Know your numbers, and live.”
Personal stories highlight the need for vigilance
Anderson was first diagnosed in 2022 but delayed treatment until 2025 after a severe diabetes episode forced him to seek care at Sibley Hospital. He told his family first, then his wife and children.
Williams, a gay Black father, learned of his aggressive cancer on his birthday two years ago. He called his mother before informing his spouse, noting his son’s immediate fear, “Are you gonna die?”
Dixon’s diagnosis came while accompanying his daughter for a kidney issue. He chose surgical removal of the prostate, saying, “Get it out!”
Mitchell’s PSA level spiked to 27 in April 2023 (normal is under 4). After a second opinion from Sloan Kettering, he pursued androgen‑deprivation therapy and advanced radiation, crediting the additional review for “exceptional care.”
Treatment choices and second opinions
All four men emphasized the value of seeking multiple medical opinions. Anderson consulted Whitman‑Walker, Kaiser, and a specialist recommended by Whitman‑Walker before undergoing radiation therapy, which he recommends “9 times out of 10.”
Williams’ primary doctor, a dark‑skinned Indian physician, answered his questions about study representation of African‑American patients and advised against immediate surgery, warning that surgery can lead to later chemotherapy.
Dixon opted for a surgical prostatectomy performed by the same specialist who treated his daughter, while Mitchell followed a combined approach of hormone therapy and radiation after his second opinion.
Side effects and quality of life
Williams described the rapid loss of libido, bladder‑control issues, and intense hot flashes that accompanied testosterone reduction, noting the emotional roller‑coaster and unexpected crying spells.
These personal accounts underscore the reality that treatment can bring challenging side effects, reinforcing the need for early detection when cancers are more manageable.
Community resources and next steps
Know Your Numbers DC continues to raise awareness, provide free testing events, and offer education tailored to the Black community. The organization urges men to schedule an annual PSA test, discuss family health history, and not let zip‑code disparities dictate outcomes.
Local health clinics across the District are offering low‑cost or free prostate screenings throughout September. Residents are encouraged to contact Know Your Numbers DC or their primary care providers to arrange testing.
By sharing their journeys, Anderson, Mitchell, Dixon, and Williams hope to break the silence, reduce stigma, and save lives through early detection and quality care.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
