Prostate cancer survivor raises awareness for early detection

Lamont Mitchell, chair of the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) and founding father of the Imani Cafe and catering firm in Anacostia, lately discovered himself in a combat in opposition to prostate most cancers. Recognized in April 2023 with extremely aggressive prostate most cancers by a D.C. urology group, Mitchell’s journey has been a testomony to the significance of looking for second opinions and the necessity for elevated consciousness and early detection within the African American group.  

His analysis got here after a routine Prostate-Particular Antigen (PSA) check revealed a regarding stage of 27 (regular stage is lower than 4), resulting in additional investigation together with an MRI, biopsy, and a Gleason rating of 9, categorised as stage T3b prostate most cancers. 

The preliminary suggestion for fast surgical procedure to take away his prostate prompted Mitchell to hunt a second opinion on the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Most cancers Heart in New York Metropolis, the place his outcomes have been reevaluated and downgraded to Gleason 7. Following a PET PMSA and bone density scan to evaluate the extent of the most cancers, his remedy plan at Memorial Sloan Kettering included six months of androgen deprivation remedy (ADT), Brachytherapy (one session at a high-dose fee), and Proton Stereotactic Physique Radiation Remedy (SBRT) consisting of 5 classes over 10 days.

“It’s vitally necessary that you just hunt down facilities of excellence when coping with most cancers,” Mitchell informed The Informer. ”  The Washington Metro Space has many to select from. I selected Memorial Sloan Kettering due to a trial research evaluating a shorter course of ADT and SBRT with a Brachytherapy enhance.  There’s a crucial want for extra Black males to take part in medical analysis.” 

All through the remedy, Mitchell has proven outstanding resilience and dedication. In response to his private expertise, he has taken a proactive method to elevating consciousness concerning the significance of standard well being screenings, notably for African American males. 

He based a company known as Know Your Numbers, devoted to encouraging African American males to get examined for main diseases, together with PSA ranges, A1C (common blood sugar), blood strain readings, and different very important well being indicators. By means of this initiative, Mitchell goals to empower males in his group to take cost of their well being and search early detection and remedy when mandatory.   

“Black males in our group usually wait too lengthy to hunt medical consideration, notably because it pertains to reproductive well being and the dreaded Digital Rectal Examination (DRE),” Mitchell stated. 

“Many males don’t know that with trendy know-how the DRE isn’t mandatory generally.”

Mitchell is dedicated to collaborating with DC Well being officers and leaders of nonprofit organizations, akin to ACC and Martha’s Desk, to deal with the well being disaster going through African American males, notably these residing East of the River. His imaginative and prescient contains implementing community-based packages, organizing instructional workshops, and advocating for elevated entry to healthcare companies and sources for underserved populations. 

Mitchell’s journey with prostate most cancers has not solely highlighted the significance of looking for second opinions and complete evaluations, but additionally underscored the pressing want for elevated consciousness and proactive well being measures throughout the African American group. 

Mitchell’s dedication to empowering males to prioritize their well being and search early detection serves as an inspiration to all, and his advocacy efforts are poised to make a significant influence within the combat in opposition to prostate most cancers and different well being disparities affecting the group. 

As Mitchell continues his personal battle with prostate most cancers, his unwavering dedication to elevating consciousness and driving constructive change stands as a beacon of hope. By means of “Know Your Numbers” and his collaborative efforts with native and nationwide entities, Mitchell is poised to make an enduring distinction within the lives of many, leaving a strong legacy of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment.

“Figuring out your key well being indicators is a begin, however sustaining a nutritious diet, controlling your weight, and often exercising are important for a protracted and wholesome life,” Mitchell suggested. 

The Anacostia Coordinating Council will assist Mitchell maintain the group knowledgeable of his private medical journey and efforts to lift our group’s well being consciousness. 

Please be part of me in holding my pal and his efforts in prayer.