Hip, Hope, Hooray! Black Men Talking Health

Prostate Cancer: It's More Than Just a PSA Thang

If you're a dude, you've probably heard those dreaded words, "bend over, it's time for your prostate exam" from your doc'. And if you're getting an annual physical, you've likely had your PSA tested, maybe even heard that your number was high.
What are you supposed to do? The National Cancer Institute recommends additional testing for a PSA above 4.0 in anyone over age 60, or above 2.5 in anyone younger than 60. But there's so much more to understanding your risk of Prostate Cancer, and how to treat it once you've been diagnosed.
In this episode we bust myths about prostate cancer's aggressiveness in black men, highlight the importance of early detection, and dig in to the emotional and mental aspects of dealing with the disease.
The conversation is enlightening, heartfelt, and empowering, ultimately  encouraging men to prioritize their health.
I'm joined by an impressive lineup of guests:
Dr. Mack Roach III, a specialist in urologic tumors from UCSF, shares his extensive knowledge on the subject. Mark Harris, diagnosed in 2013, discusses his journey and efforts to support others. David Fields, diagnosed in 2020, provides a candid look at his experience and the choices he made for treatment.
The guys share their personal experiences with the disease, discuss the impact it's had on their lives and the challenges they've faced in navigating their treatment options.
Tune in to learn more about prostate, the importance of early detection and treatment, and the innovative approaches being used to combat this prevalent disease.
Remember, don't let pride stand in the way of prevention. Stay informed, get checked, and keep the conversation going.
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For more information on prostate cancer, visit:
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: www.pcf.org
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
To learn more about Dr. Mack Roach III and the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit: www.ucsfhealth.org/cancer
To learn more about the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation visit: www.healthhopehiphop.org.
 
 

The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, aka hypertension, can quietly mess up the body for years before symptoms appear. Not surprisingly, many of the black community's top killers are caused by high blood pressure, including heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and even kidney disease. That's why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked; and why you need to keep it in check through diet, exercise, and even medication.
My man Phillip Davis is a prime example. In September of 2020, Phillip was working as a School Administrator for Mastery Charter School. He had just wrapped up a routine workday that was marked by an excruciating headache that would not go away. It was so bad that he went to the ER and was admitted to Chestnut Hill Hospital, where he quickly learned that his blood pressure sky high; a troubling 287/92.  He was immediately transported to ICU where he spent the next few days being accessed to figure out the cause. 
After several negative tests, Phillip received shocking news from a Nephrologist about his kidneys; they were in danger of failure and the problem had reached the acute stage. To stay alive, Phillip had to begin dialysis treatment immediately.  But after several weeks on dialysis, his condition worsened and Phillip was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease also known as Renal Failure.  The only remedy for the condition is a kidney transplant or long-term, life-sustaining dialysis. 
At just 34 years of age, that was some heavy news. So I sat down with Phillip to hear how he managed to cope with his diagnosis, navigate his treatment journey, and become an advocate for kidney health in the Black and Brown communities. 
Through faith, family, hip-hop music, and an unbreakable spirit, Phillip has found strength and purpose in sharing his story. Join us as we discuss Phillip's resilience, determination, and the importance of early detection and blood pressure screening in kidney health.
Today he is a global ambassador for The Gift of Life, where he educates men and women about the causes, early signs of high blood pressure, and kidney failure. 
His story is inspiring. Check it out.
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
https://www.healthhopehiphop.org
 
The Gift of Life
https://www.giftoflife.org/
 
Follow Phillip on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p.dot57/
 

Doubts, Disbelief, and Delayed Diagnosis

Multiple Myeloma ain't no joke, Black folks! A cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells, Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone marrow where it grows.
 
In this episode, four men (three black and one white) come together to discuss the challenges they faced with delayed diagnosis of multiple myeloma and the impact it had on their treatment. They delve into the disparities in healthcare access and quality that often impact the black community, leading to -- you guessed it -- delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for black patients with multiple myeloma.
Our guests get personal and share their individual experiences navigating the healthcare system, including encounters with healthcare providers who dismissed their symptoms or failed to recognize the signs of multiple myeloma. They also discuss the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking second opinions when faced with a potential misdiagnosis.Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, these men shed light on the systemic barriers that contribute to delayed diagnoses and disparities in treatment for black patients with multiple myeloma. They also provide insights and advice for others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in seeking proper medical care and advocating for one's health. Join us for this enlightening discussion on the impact of delayed diagnosis and disparities in healthcare on the black community.
 
GUEST LIST:Michael Ritto - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 7/2011
Thomas Goode - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 2007, 2008, 2011 Arthur Marsh - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 1/2024With your Emcee Oya Gilbert - Multiple Myeloma Dx: 12/2017
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
https://www.healthhopehiphop.org
 
For more about Multiple Myeloma visit the sites below.
International Myeloma Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Myeloma Link

The Silent Struggle: Why Black Men Avoid the Doctor's Office

Yo, not to get all heavy on you, but this podcast was born out of my personal experience as a "Black man with cancer." I've learned a lot... sooo peep this.
When it comes to most types of cancer, Black people have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any ethnic group in the United States. I got wind of this fact AFTER being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2017, a treatable but incurable blood cancer that impacts Black Americans 2:1 vs their White counterparts. 
So, what's shaking and taking our lives in such disproportionate numbers?
Yeah, healthcare disparities like lack of access and insurance, historical injustices, and implicit bias are hurting us.... but we also suffer from limited health literacy -- and that's something we can change through conversation... Starting now!
Welcome to the premiere episode of Hip Hope Hooray – Black Men Talking About Health. In this genuine and unscripted conversation, we've brought together five Black men to share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs when it comes to their health.
From personal challenges to navigating the healthcare system, these brothas hold nothing back as they open up about obstacles they’ve faced on their wellness journey. It's a straight convo that's as relatable as it is empowering.Tune in for this groundbreaking podcast series and find out about what it really means to prioritize health in the Black community.
Let's get real, let's get inspired, and let's get healthy together. 🎙️💪🏾
 
GUEST LIST:Charles Duncan (Type II Diabetes) Randy Haskins (Borderline Hypertension)Antonio Goicuria III (Benign Myoclonic Epileptic Disorder)Eric Mosley (Hypertension)With your Host Oya Gilbert (Multiple Myeloma)
LINKS
Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation
https://www.healthhopehiphop.org
 
Multiple Myeloma’s Sneak Attack on The Black Community And How To Fight Back by Carri Helman
https://heragenda.com/p/multiple-myeloma-awareness-facts-affect-on-black-women/