Prostate cancer is one of the most significant health risks facing men today.

If you’re over 40, especially if you’re a Black man, this isn’t something you can afford to ignore.

The risk is real, and the consequences of not getting checked can be severe.

I learned this firsthand when I went in for my screening, and it’s a lesson I want to share with you.

While it’s recommended that most men begin prostate screenings at age 50, I started earlier because prostate cancer has impacted several men in my family.

Like many men, I wasn’t looking forward to it. Honestly, I dreaded it all day.

After arriving at the doctor’s office, I went through the usual routine.

The nurse checked my vital signs and noted that my blood pressure was a bit high.

“Are you stressed?” she asked.

I admitted that work had been a source of tension lately, but honestly, at that moment, my real stress was thinking about the prostate exam.

I had heard all the stories and wasn’t thrilled about the idea of a doctor probing in places I wasn’t comfortable with.

But I had to endure it because as a Black man, the stakes were much higher for me.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, and for Black men, the risks are even more pronounced.

African-American men are about 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men. More alarmingly, we are 2.1 times more likely to die from it

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re a reminder that this is a real threat to our health.

A family history of prostate cancer only increases those odds.

If you have one immediate family member with the disease, your risk more than doubles.

If two close relatives have had prostate cancer, the risk jumps to 83%, and with three family members affected, it climbs even higher​.

These stats were at the back of my mind as I waited for the doctor to arrive because my grandfather died from prostate cancer.

When the doctor came in, we exchanged small talk, and he prepared for the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).

Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds—a quick check where the doctor feels the prostate through the rectum for any abnormalities.

I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s not the most comfortable experience, but it was over in minutes. And the relief I felt when the doctor told me everything was clear? That was worth any temporary discomfort.

Although I had a DRE, it’s now more common for doctors to use the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which is a simple blood test that measures PSA levels in your blood. It’s quicker, less invasive, and often catches issues earlier​.

Whichever test your doctor recommends, the important thing is getting checked.

When the exam was over, I felt a sense of relief—not just because it was done, but because I knew I had taken an important step for my health.

It made me think about how many men, including myself at times, come up with reasons to avoid these checkups.

I get it—fear is a big one. I was afraid too.

What if they found something? But trust me, not knowing is far worse.

Then there’s the embarrassment factor. Talking about prostate health, or worse, having an exam, can feel awkward. But avoiding it could cost you your life.

Another common excuse is time.

Between work and family commitments, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re too busy to fit in a doctor’s appointment.

I’ve been there too, telling myself I’ll go next month, and then the month after that. But there’s always going to be something on your plate, and your health shouldn’t be pushed to the bottom of the list.

We make time for the things that matter, and nothing is more important than your health.

Sometimes, we just don’t want to deal with it at all.

The idea of going to the doctor can feel like a hassle, and for some, it’s easier to avoid it altogether.

I’ve been guilty of this as well, but here’s what I’ve learned: taking that small step now can save you from much bigger problems later.

So, here’s the bottom line: If you’re a Black man over 40, you need to get screened for prostate cancer.

Don’t let fear, embarrassment, or a busy schedule stand in your way.

Your health is the most valuable thing you have—protect it. Schedule that appointment today.

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