Podcast Summary: Life Kit – "What to know about prostate cancer"

Host: Marielle Segarra (NPR)
Date: December 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the essentials of prostate cancer: risks, symptoms, the importance of early detection and routine screening, and what to expect if you’re diagnosed. It features personal insight from prostate cancer advocate Montel Jordan, as well as expert medical guidance from Dr. Kelvin Moses, a urologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Montel Jordan's Prostate Cancer Story

• Montel Jordan was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2024 at age 55 after a routine screening and biopsy.
• He and his wife struggled initially to share the diagnosis with their children, keeping it private for months.
• After surgery, additional cancer cells were detected, leading to radiation treatment.

Quote:

"I would even go further when it comes to men and prostate cancer because of the functionality of what the prostate does. It's a very personal thing that I don't imagine any man would want to probably talk about or disclose or share that information."
— Montel Jordan (01:25)

• Montel decided to speak out, hoping transparency would encourage others to seek screenings.
• He never felt sick or had symptoms:

"I have never felt like I had cancer. ... There was no indicator."
— Montel Jordan (01:57)

2. Understanding Prostate Cancer & The Importance of Screening

Asymptomatic Nature of Early Prostate Cancer

• Most early-stage prostate cancers cause no symptoms.
• Symptoms like changes in urinary habits, blood in urine, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, or bone pain suggest advanced disease.

Quote:

"Any change in sexual or urinary function needs to be evaluated whether or not it's for cancer."
— Dr. Kelvin Moses (05:45)

Routine Screening: PSA Test & Debates on Guidelines

• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a blood test; values considered normal vary with age.
• Screening recommendations differ:
  • USPSTF: Shared decision-making, age 55–69.
  • NCCN (Dr. Moses's panel): Start at 45–75, earlier for high-risk individuals (Black men, those with family history/genetic predispositions).
  • Baseline PSA at 45 (or younger for high risk), repeat at 50, then annually.

Quote:

"That's the million dollar question. ... There are several guidelines that various physicians follow."
— Dr. Kelvin Moses (06:55)

Higher-Risk Groups

• Black men
• Family history of prostate, breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer
• Certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA gene)
• Obesity, smoking, drinking, and environmental exposures (e.g., firefighting, pesticides)

3. What Happens During Screening?

The Tests & The Discomfort Factor

• PSA is a simple blood test.
• Rectal exams can detect certain cancers that might not elevate PSA. Not all doctors perform this routinely anymore.

Quote:

"If you don't want to get it done, that's fine. We can start with the PSA. ... I certainly would caution men to say, hey, look, especially if you're at higher risk ... don't let a moment of discomfort shorten your life."
— Dr. Kelvin Moses (14:14)

Memorable Moment:
Marielle advises rewarding yourself after a difficult test:

"Treat yourself, go have a treat."
— Marielle Segarra (14:58)

Frequency

• Annual screens are common and easy to incorporate with other yearly bloodwork.

4. Next Steps After an Elevated PSA

Diagnostic Path

• If PSA is elevated, doctors may follow up with more blood/urine tests, imaging, and often a biopsy, which is required for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options and Time to Decide

• Risk stratification determines management: surgery (often robotic), radiation (various types), hormone therapy if needed.
• Most men with localized prostate cancer have time to seek multiple medical opinions and should avoid rushing into treatment.

Quote:

"When I diagnose someone with cancer, the first visit, I'm just laying out some basics ... I give them some information, but I tell them to go home and come back and see me in a month, because you need some time to digest it."
— Dr. Kelvin Moses (21:05)

Oncologist Involvement

• Entry into cancer care typically via urologist; oncologists usually see more advanced cases.

Emotional Perspective & Community

• Both host and Montel highlight the unexpected strength found in facing cancer.
• Montel emphasizes the power of community for support:

"People that have and that are fighting the disease don't need you to carry cancer. They need you to help carry them."
— Montel Jordan (22:35)

5. Montel’s Advocacy and Upcoming Documentary

• Montel is creating a documentary, "Sustain", about his cancer experience, and plans a "This Is How We Cure It" tour with screenings and on-site prostate screenings.

Quote:

"I'm going to screen the documentary in 30 cities and I'm going to have men screened at the screenings. ... We're calling it the 'This Is How We Cure It' tour."
— Montel Jordan (23:04)

Notable Takeaways & Key Timestamps

[06:26, 15:13, 20:08, 23:22 — Episode Recaps]
Takeaway 1:

• Early-stage prostate cancer is typically asymptomatic. See a doctor for symptoms like urinary changes or pain. (06:26)

Takeaway 2:

• Screening age and frequency are debated; talk to your doctor about individualized risk. Higher risk: start earlier. Black men, those with family history/genetic predispositions, or relevant exposures are at increased risk. (11:12)

Takeaway 3:

• Screening usually means a PSA blood test. A rectal exam is optional but can provide more information. Discomfort is brief; don’t let it stop you from screening. (15:13)

Takeaway 4:

• If PSA is high, expect further tests, with biopsy confirming cancer. Don’t panic—most prostate cancers are treatable, and you have time for opinions and decisions. (20:08)

Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Montel Jordan on sharing his story:

  "It's a very personal thing that I don't imagine any man would want to probably talk about or disclose or share that information." (01:25)

• Dr. Kelvin Moses on screening recommendations:

  "That's the million dollar question. ... There are several guidelines that various physicians follow." (06:55)

• Dr. Kelvin Moses on discomfort with rectal exams:

  "Don't let a moment of discomfort shorten your life." (14:14)

• Montel Jordan on support during illness:

  "People that have and that are fighting the disease don't need you to carry cancer. They need you to help carry them." (22:35)

Final Thoughts

• Prostate cancer is common, especially as men age.
• Early detection through routine screening (PSA and possibly rectal exam) is vital, especially for high-risk groups.
• A diagnosis is not a medical emergency—gather thorough, trusted advice and involve your support community.
• Advocacy, open discussion, and proactive healthcare can save lives.