In 2020, media veteran Elverage Allen was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Early detection led to a positive outcome: “Because I had a regularly scheduled prostate screening, my cancer was detected before it metastasized. Early detection saved my life.”

One out of every eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, yet prostate cancer mortality rates in African American men are more than double those of every other racial/ethnic group. Elverage’s wife, Shay, reasoned with him that the disparity Black men face with the disease must be addressed in a way that they can connect with and then act on: “She persuaded me to utilize my experience in media to start an informative and educational podcast.”

“We cannot control the circumstances that life will hand us. However, we can control our response. Being strong in the face of adversity is not only therapeutic for you, but others will see it and can be encouraged. I have embraced the challenge of prostate cancer and transformed it into a mission to inform and help others."

This #ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth, Elverage encourages men to get tested and stay on top of their health. #StandUpToCancer

Our mission at Prostate Cancer Real Talk is to increase the Education, Understanding of Prostate Cancer. Most importantly, we want to motivate behavioral change, i.e., increased preventative measures like early and regular PSA testing. In short, the more we know, the more we grow! Programs and events like this go a long way in supporting our mission, and we hope to help UIC Cancer Center significantly increase its educational footprint. I will be sharing this incredible learning experience on my website. I have recapped my experience below and am hopeful of working more closely with your committed group of Scientists, Medical Professionals and supporting staff.