Tag: Montell Jordan

  • Montell Jordan Faces Cancer Again, Advocates for Screenings

    Montell Jordan, known for his chart-topping 90s hits and his role as a pastor, is facing a personal health challenge: his cancer has returned. After an initial prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2024 and prostate removal in November, Jordan shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE that remaining cancer has been found in his left lymph node and potentially in the prostate bed.

    A Journey to Becoming a Two-Time Survivor

    Jordan described this new phase as a journey to becoming a “two-time cancer survivor,” a prospect he never anticipated. He is committed to documenting and sharing his experience to inform others. As September marks National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Jordan, a global ambassador for ZERO Prostate Cancer, is leveraging his platform to champion early screenings.

    ZERO Prostate Cancer’s ‘Blitz the Barriers’ Initiative

    ZERO Prostate Cancer is launching its ‘$20 Million Blitz the Barriers’ initiative in Atlanta, a city where Black men face disproportionately high rates of diagnosis and death from prostate cancer. According to ZERO, Black men are up to five times more likely to be diagnosed and twice as likely to die from the disease, yet early detection offers a 99% survival rate.

    Courageous Conversations to Preserve Family Legacy

    Jordan’s proactive approach led to the discovery of the returning cancer, starting with a slight spike in his PSA levels. He urges men, particularly Black men, to get screened starting in their 40s and encourages women to initiate these vital conversations with the men in their lives. “If you have a man in your life… you need to make them go and get checked because cancer does not care,” he stated.

    A “30 for 30 for 30 Tour” and Documentary

    Nodding to his hit song ‘This Is How We Do It,’ Jordan is planning a “30 for 30 for 30 Tour” in 2026 called ‘This Is How We Cure It.’ This initiative, partnering with ZERO Prostate Cancer (also celebrating 30 years), will include a 30-city music tour and screenings of his documentary ‘Sustain,’ which chronicles his prostate cancer journey. He aims to offer prostate cancer screenings during these events.

    Jordan emphasizes the power of words and positive affirmation, stating, “It is cancer, it’s just not my cancer. It’s my healing.” He encourages everyone navigating health challenges to claim healing and speak life into their situations, reminding them that “cancer exists, it’s just not mine. And so from that standpoint, if you’re watching this, it’s not yours. Even if you have it, it doesn’t have you.”

    What are your thoughts on Montell Jordan’s advocacy for prostate cancer screenings? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Montell Jordan’s Cancer Returns After Prostate Removal

    Montell Jordan, known for his hit song ‘This Is How We Do It,’ has shared a challenging health update: his prostate cancer has returned. Nearly a year after undergoing surgery to remove his prostate, Jordan revealed in an appearance on the ‘Today Show’ that follow-up scans detected cancer in his lymph nodes, necessitating further treatment.

    A Difficult but Important Revelation

    Jordan explained that he had anticipated sharing his story from the perspective of having overcome prostate cancer after his radical prostatectomy. However, despite clear margins initially, subsequent tests revealed the presence of remaining cancer. “There were clear margins,” Jordan said. “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.”

    He felt compelled to share his journey, which will be featured in an upcoming documentary titled ‘Sustain,’ set to premiere next year. Jordan has also partnered with ZERO Prostate Cancer, a nonprofit organization, to raise awareness about the critical importance of regular prostate cancer screenings, particularly for Black men.

    The Importance of Early Detection

    Jordan’s own experience underscores the significance of early detection. He shared that his proactive approach to regular doctor visits and PSA tests over a decade ago led to his early diagnosis. “Because I was going and had a history of what my blood levels were like, that’s how they were able to detect it,” he explained. “Hearing that it was early on, that it was first stage for me … which is treatable, that was probably the saving grace.”

    Prostate cancer, especially when detected early, has a high survival rate. Almost 100% of men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer survive more than five years, compared to about one-third of men with advanced cancer. Jordan expressed hope that his story will encourage more Black men to prioritize their prostate health.

    Understanding Cancer Recurrence After Surgery

    It is possible for prostate cancer to return after surgical removal, even with clear margins initially. The most common indicator is a rise in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, known as biochemical recurrence. This can signal local or distant disease and may require further treatment, such as salvage radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Treatment decisions are based on factors like PSA levels, the rate of increase, and imaging results. Symptoms of recurrence can include difficulty urinating, bone pain, unexpected weight loss, or blood in urine or semen, though rising PSA levels are the primary detection method.

    Montell Jordan’s journey highlights the importance of health screenings. What steps do you take to prioritize your health and wellness? Share your tips in the comments below!

  • Montell Jordan’s Prostate Cancer Returns

    Montell Jordan, the iconic voice behind the 1995 hit “This Is How We Do It,” is sharing a personal health update. In an exclusive interview with the TODAY Show, the R&B singer revealed that his battle with prostate cancer is not over; the cancer has returned.

    From Stage 1 to Stage 2: A Renewed Fight

    Jordan, 56, was initially diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer in 2024 following a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. He underwent a radical prostatectomy, and doctors initially believed they had achieved clear margins. However, nearly a year after the surgery, “tiny amounts” of cancer were detected in the lymph nodes on his left side and in the prostate bed.

    This discovery has unfortunately upgraded his diagnosis to Stage 2 prostate cancer, which is considered more aggressive. Despite the setback, Jordan remains hopeful, stating, “I always imagined I would be telling my prostate cancer story from the other side of prostate cancer… but it’s (been) detected that there is still cancer.”

    Facing Treatment with Faith and Strength

    Jordan is set to undergo proton radiation therapy, with treatments scheduled five days a week for seven weeks, along with additional therapies to halt the cancer’s progression. He believes this treatment will ultimately “eradicate the cancer from my body and still have a great quality of life moving forward.”

    He shared his experience to serve as an example for other men, encouraging them to be strong and proactive about getting tested. “I want to be a part of this solution. Your life is worth more than what a stigma presents or what a taboo presents. I need you guys to get checked,” Jordan urged.

    A Message of Hope and Options

    Jordan wants to provide a template for those diagnosed with cancer, reminding them that options are available. He also acknowledges the emotional toll, saying, “in the mix of what that looks like, it’s OK to cry. It’s OK to shake your fist at God. It’s OK to navigate and do what you need to do, but doing nothing is not an option.”

    What are your thoughts on Montell Jordan’s courageous sharing of his health journey? Let us know in the comments below!