“Black and Latino patients were 27% and 5% less likely, respectively, to receive any treatment (radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, or cryotherapy) than white patients.”
Mellve Shahid Sr. vividly recalls the phone call he received 16 years ago from his urologist, telling him he could either change his lifestyle or expect to live only two more years after being diagnosed with stage-two prostate cancer. “It was like a bombshell,” Shahid said, remembering that life-changing day.
After Shahid’s diagnosis, he went into fight and faith mode. “I asked God to heal my body and restore my health and to give me a second chance at life,” he said. Now the prostate cancer survivor spends his time informing men about their health. Sixteen years ago, he started the Empowerment Network, a non-profit designed to support men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
According to Zero Prostate Cancer, one in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, compared to one in eight men overall. Black men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.1 times more likely to die from the disease than white men. Black men are also slightly more likely than white men to be diagnosed with advanced disease. The Prostate Education Network data shows Black men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer were less likely than white men to receive any type of treatment for that cancer. The report reveals that Black and Latino patients were 27 percent and 5 percent less likely, respectively, to receive any treatment (radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, or cryotherapy) than white patients.
The St. Louis American: In what ways can we close the health disparity gap amongst Black and brown men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Shahid: The Empowerment Network has taken this disease from a whisper to a conversation. We need to engage in more conversations. We had a campaign in June for National Men’s Health Awareness Month to inform and educate men on the importance of going to the doctor, getting a physical exam, and getting screened for prostate cancer. Having those conversations will help close that gap in our health, we need more advocates. I thank God for the science we have today, I thank God for my doctors.
The St. Louis American: How do you encourage older generations (men) to trust the health care system?
Shahid: That’s a million-dollar question! To be honest, when you go through the devastation of this disease you will become an educator. Men have started to educate other men through their stories, they take their journey and encourage men in their family to get screened for prostate cancer.
The St. Louis American: According to Arnold Bullock, a professor at Washington University St. Louis, the mortality rates for prostate cancer in the St. Louis region depend on your zip code. What are your thoughts about this information?
Shahid: Dr. Bullock is my doctor and the president of the Empowerment Network and he is 100 percent right. North County has some of the highest incidents of prostate cancer. Municipalities like Ferguson and Pine Lawn have high cases of prostate cancer.
St. Louis American: Do you believe health disparities in prostate cancer are a result of other disparities that Black/brown and poor communities deal with?
Shahid: Yes, 100 percent. It’s not just about prostate cancer, it’s about full-body wellness. Eye care, dental care – if you have any health concerns set up an appointment with your primary doctor. Your primary doctor plays the quarterback and they direct us to go to a different specialist.
St. Louis American: What are your suggestions to encourage men to comply with the doctor’s orders?
Shahid: When you get diagnosed with prostate cancer, your house is on fire! I tell men don’t try and put the fire out by yourself. Ask your doctor to help you put the fire out. A lot of men when diagnosed will do their research and self-diagnose themselves. But the doctors are here to help guide you through your treatment plan, after the fire is put out then rebuild it by changing your eating habits and exercising. But also follow up with your doctor and stay in touch. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Visit the cancer information center and join us for the Zero Prostate Cancer Walk.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.