In 2005, I participated in a screening event at my local church. My test came back with an abnormal result that I initially ignored. I was busy with family and my work as a pastor, and the results weren’t an immediate priority. A few months later, I was in a serious car accident and new tests revealed I had advanced prostate cancer. A doctor told me I couldn’t expect to live beyond five years. I was stunned and confused.

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Through the comfort and guidance of friends, I was referred to UCSF where I underwent seven months of treatment. Ten years later, I remain cancer free and just celebrated my 65th birthday with my wife, children, and grandchildren.

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Truly, I was "blessed," as they say within the Christian tradition, to have the support of friends and family and access to excellent medical care. I want to share my blessing with other African American men who might be unsure if they need screening or are fearful of it.

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Spreading the word about SF CAN and screening is my way of giving back. I invite people to join the movement that seeks to add years to our lives, years that cancer too often steals from us. I don’t know if things would have been different if I’d followed up immediately on my first test results, but I am sure of one thing: I am a survivor of prostate cancer. I believe in screening and encourage men to have it.