Early detection is key to surviving prostate cancer
By Sandra Jordan Of the St. Louis American
A distinguished men’s organization has taken on prostate cancer. 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis is taking action to increase awareness, promote screening and to reduce incidence of prostate cancer in St. Louis.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second-leading killer of men. African-American men have an increased incidence of prostate cancer, and more than double the mortality rate of other racial and ethnic groups, according to the National Cancer Institute.
If caught and treated early enough, prostate cancer has a cure rate of more than 90 percent. However, there will be an estimated 186,000 new cases and more than 28,000 deaths from prostate cancer in 2008.
Mellve Shahid and his brothers in 100 Black Men are on a crusade to prevent this killer of African-American men.
“In my ministry, as I encourage others, I am really encouraging myself. All of this is really a form of healing when you can give back,” Shahid said.
“There is nothing greater than saving lives and helping someone as they struggle with a life-and-death disease. Cancer can be very emotional and well as psychological. You have to use the weapon of a positive attitude.”
You also simply have to be tested and know your status.
100 Black Men is working to help African-American men overcome their fears about the intrusive nature of the exam and testing.
“A lot of times, men are unwilling to go to the doctor and find out what your body is saying to you,” said Tom Bailey, a 100 member and chair of the group’s Prostate Cancer Survivor’s Walk.
“Then you’re talking about a digital rectal exam – and that’s not exciting.”
Exciting? No. Necessary? Yes.
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the tube that empties the bladder. The prostate produces fluid that becomes part of semen. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably.
The digital rectal exam (DRE) combined with the PSA test is the most accurate guide to early detection of prostate cancer. The DRE allows to doctor to look for changes in the size, shape or texture of the prostate gland. The PSA test looks for higher than normal levels of PSA in the bloodstream. PSA is a substance produced by the prostate and is higher when prostate cancer is present.
If prostate cancer is discovered, the patient along with his urologist would determine the best treatment options, such as monitoring, hormone or chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Survivor’s story
“In my opinion, the 100 Black men of Metropolitan St. Louis have become a beacon of hope for men’s health,” said Mellve Shahid.
And he would know.
It was just a year ago when Shahid received news that would change his life.
Shahid said he was told, “You have an aggressive form of prostate cancer, stage 2, and on the Gleason scale for grading cancer from 2-10, I’m sorry to say you are at a nine.” He was only 53 at the time, and had just lost his mother to colon cancer three months earlier.
“I knew that I was in for the fight of my life. My weapons to fight this disease would be a positive attitude, hope, love and faith,” Shahid said.
“So I immediately turned to my weapon of faith, asking God in my prayers to heal my body, restore my health, and give me a second chance and I would spend the rest of my life helping to educate and empower men about a disease that is claiming so many lives.”
Shahid selected surgery. After about a month, Shahid was speaking out on prostate cancer and going on about his work and recovery. Shahid credits his speedy recovery to his wife, Hurnietha Shahid, his physician, Ronald K. DeGuerre, M.D., and the team at the St. Louis Urological Surgeons.
Last year, Shahid was invited help the 100 Black Men with their Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk, where he became chairman of the Prostate Cancer Survivors Committee and later became a member of the organization.
Community grants
100 Black Men of St. Louis recently awarded $8,000 in community grants to three health providers for prostate cancer services and education.
Jacque Land, president of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, said it fits the organization’s focus, which includes mentoring, education, economic development and health/wellness.
The Siteman Cancer Center received $4,000; Betty Jean Kerr Peoples Health Center and Myrtle Hilliard Davis Community Health Center each received a $2,000 grant.
“We are actively working to decrease these disparities through education and research,” said Robert Grubb, M.D. of the urologic surgery division of Siteman Cancer Center.
Mark Sanford, executive vice president of Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center, said the award would be used to “increase access to PSAs (prostate specific antigen tests) and digital rectal exams (DREs) and to initiate access through the Drag Race Brothers on the Move program.”
“It will be used to offset the cost of the new uninsured population that we serve,” said Archie Griffin, president of the Myrtle Hilliard Davis Community Health Center.
Griffin spoke to one of the dilemmas when it comes to black men and prostate cancer – men don’t want rectal exams and don’t want to talk about it.
100 Black Men are talking about it.
This year’s Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk will be held Saturday, August 23 at Kiener Plaza. Free PSA tests for all men ages 35 and older and information on prostate cancer will be available after the walk. Registration is $10. For more information, call 314-367-7778 or visit www.100bmstl.org
