Black men should start prostate screening at 40

Frederick Anderson and Dr. Michael H. Forde are urging Black men to begin testing for prostate cancer at age 40. Anderson, a fashion designer who has dressed Beyoncé and Charlize Theron, founded the Blue Jacket Fashion Show to support the ZERO Prostate Cancer initiative. Forde, a public health physician, focuses on equity in prostate cancer care. Together, they appeared on a podcast to discuss why early detection remains a gap in the community.

The primary driver for earlier screening is the disparity in diagnosis rates. According to data cited by ZERO Prostate Cancer, approximately one in six Black men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Anderson calls this statistic avoidable. He argues that men must open the conversation with one another to stay alive and stay informed. Forde notes that historical risk factors make earlier discussion essential. He states that the community has a gap in speaking openly about the disease.

The screening process centers on a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen levels. Forde explains that the test checks for a specific protein in the blood. A low result, under 1 nanogram per milliliter, is considered normal. Levels between 1 and 3 ng/mL are generally safe for most men. Values from 4 to 10 ng/mL are borderline or elevated. Any reading above 10 ng/mL is considered high. Forde notes that high levels can indicate cancer, infection, or an enlarged prostate, requiring further medical review.

Anderson emphasizes that the PSA test is not included in standard bloodwork. Men must specifically request it from their doctors. He advises that individuals with a family history of cancer should begin testing at age 40 or 45. Once a baseline is established, the focus shifts to tracking changes over time. Anderson says the goal is to see if the number is rising or falling. This requires consistent communication with a healthcare provider and a willingness to ask direct questions about the body.

Personal stories often drive men to seek testing. Reggie Hicks, a prostate cancer survivor, was diagnosed while filming his documentary If You Are My Brothers. He is now 15 years past his diagnosis. Hicks credits early detection for his survival. He also credits his wife for helping him navigate the process. Hicks says many men internalize the fear, but sitting down and making decisions together with a partner leads to better outcomes. He tells listeners not to be scared, noting that family and friends want the man to be around.

Dr. Forde has seen the stigma firsthand among family members and colleagues. He observes that men often face uncertainty in a way they have not experienced before. This hesitation creates a barrier to treatment. Forde believes that keeping the conversation simple is the most effective approach. He advises listeners to remember two facts: the screening age is 40 to 45, and family history matters. He says that stating one number out loud can start the process of moving in the right direction.

The podcast, hosted by Jeremie Rivers, is part of the Listen to Black Doctors series. The episode is presented by NewsOne and the Urban One Podcast Network. The guests aim to reduce the taboo surrounding prostate health. Forde concludes that healing begins with information. He says that a man cannot advocate for his health without the data to do so. The message is direct: find out the facts, and let the fear of appearing strong fade into the background.

Anderson’s fashion show serves as a platform to provide these resources. He wants to ensure men have a place to go to understand how the disease affects them. The combination of personal narrative and medical data forms the core of their outreach. The goal is to make the conversation routine rather than rare. By focusing on the specific numbers and the simple act of requesting a test, the speakers hope to turn awareness into action.