SAN DIEGO — A 57-year-old San Diego man recently diagnosed with prostate cancer is channeling his experience into advocacy, working to create support resources specifically for Black men facing the disease. Jerry McCormick received his diagnosis in September after experiencing a dramatic increase in his urge to urinate, prompting him to seek medical attention.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Black men face disproportionate risk, with the highest documented prostate cancer incidence rate in the world and more than twice the likelihood of dying from the disease compared to other races.

McCormick’s symptoms began subtly but quickly escalated. 

“Usually it’s like, one or two times a night, but one night, I got up 12 times, and I was like, No, this isn’t right,” said McCormick.

His doctor recommended screening through a digital exam followed by a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA test. The results proved alarming.

 “You’re supposed to be under four. Mine was 18,” said McCormick. 

Further testing revealed the extent of the disease. 

“After the test came back, we did [an] MRI. They spotted something on an MRI, then we did a biopsy….and half of my prostate was cancerous,” said McCormick.

The American Cancer Society recommends men begin prostate cancer screening at age 50, or at age 45 for Black men and those with a family history of the disease. Since his diagnosis, McCormick has become an advocate for early detection and community support. 

“So it’s affecting us a little bit more, and that’s why I definitely want to try to get the word out, because I think more of us need to know,” said McCormick. 

He emphasized the importance of men’s health awareness, noting, “You hear about breast cancer, a lot [of] women are on top of that. We as men need to be on top of prostate cancer, because that’s something that could take us out,” said McCormick.

McCormick has identified a gap in available resources. While support groups exist, he says there is a growing need for those targeting the Black community specifically. In response, he is in talks with UC San Diego to establish his own support group.

“I’m looking forward to creating something that’s not only going to help me, but other black men,” said McCormick.

Next week, McCormick will undergo surgery to remove his prostate and determine whether the cancer has spread. Despite the challenging road ahead, he remains hopeful. 

“I’m going to be joining a club I really don’t want to belong to, but I’m going to be a cancer survivor. That’s what I want. That’s what’s going to happen…and I’m looking forward to living a long and healthy life,” said McCormick.