Montell Jordan, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer best known for his 1995 hit “This Is How We Do It,” has recently shared the difficult news that his prostate cancer has returned after having a radical prostatectomy surgery. Jordan’s openness about his health battle shines a critical light on prostate cancer a disease that disproportionately affects Black men and underscores the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and effective treatment.
In a recent public statement, Montell Jordan revealed that his cancer, which he had been battling, has unfortunately returned. It is a powerful reminder of how cancer does not discriminate, but the risks and outcomes can vary significantly based on race, access to healthcare, and early detection.
“I always imagined I would be telling my prostate cancer story from the other side of prostate cancer because I had a radical prostatectomy surgery. My prostate was removed. There were clear margins,” Jordan, 56, tells TODAY.com. “Close to a year post-prostatectomy, I still need to go back and have additional treatments because it’s (been) detected that there is still cancer.”
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States, and Black men face a much higher risk than their white counterparts. According to the American Cancer Society: Black men are about 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. They are also more than twice as likely to die from the disease. The average age of diagnosis is younger, and the cancer often presents at a more advanced stage.
These disparities arise from a combination of genetic factors, socioeconomic challenges, and barriers to timely healthcare access. Lack of regular screenings, mistrust in the healthcare system, and delayed diagnoses contribute to worse outcomes for Black men.
Prostate cancer often grows slowly, and many men live for years without symptoms. That makes regular screenings, especially for Black men, critical. The American Cancer Society recommends that Black men begin discussions about prostate cancer screening with their doctors by age 45, or earlier if there is a family history.
Screening methods include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exams, which can detect cancer early when treatment is most effective.
Montell Jordan’s public health update offers an important moment for education and awareness. It highlights the need for:
Increased public health outreach targeted at Black men. Breaking down stigma around prostate cancer and men’s health. Improving access to quality healthcare and cancer screenings. Supporting research focused on the unique risks faced by Black men.
BY: BEWITTY Staff
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