COLUMBIA, S.C. — A recent report from the South Carolina Cancer Alliance reveals a promising trend in South Carolina's battle against prostate cancer, with a notable 50% decrease in the death rate over a 25-year period.
However, the report also sheds light on persistent disparities, emphasizing that Black men remain more than twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to their White counterparts.
Lee Moultrie was diagnosed in 2015.
Moultrie, who had been undergoing annual screenings for two decades, considered his diagnosis a "blessing" due to its low grade. Opting for watchful waiting and active surveillance for six years before deciding on treatment, Moultrie emerged cancer-free in 2022.
Moultrie's story underscores the importance of prevention and education, elements often missing in the narratives of many Black men who don't survive to share their experiences.
“It's very challenging for patients because it's a, it's a disease that I don't think we have fully understood in the past,” said Dr. Jonny Linquist of Prisma Health. “We're really just, I think, catching it earlier, treating it better, and preventing it from getting to that castrate-resistant point.”
He emphasizes the critical role of early detection. Data shows a significant difference in survival rates — a 90% survival rate at five years with early detection versus a mere 31% for late-stage disease.
“There's a lot of, misinformation, disinformation when it comes to prostate cancer and people are right on both ends, you know, I have to do a lot of education about patients that prostate cancer is not a one size fit all diagnosis,” said Linquist. “Once you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, we can determine the likelihood of it. being clinically significant. But before that, we try to screen a population to identify who's at risk for underlying prostate cancer.”
While Moultrie successfully navigated his cancer journey, he remains steadfast in his mission to help others facing similar challenges. He works with the Medical University of South Carolina and Prostate Health Education Network to share his story across the state.
"God has blessed me to do this. It's because I want people to have a good life. I want them to have a long, healthy life," Moultrie said.
Despite the progress highlighted in the SC Cancer Alliance report, the disparity in mortality rates between Black and White men necessitates continued efforts to raise awareness, improve access to screenings, and foster preventive healthcare in vulnerable communities.
“The main thing that we want guys to do, and especially black men, is that we want you to become, we want you to start being screened every year, annually,” said Moultrie.
In response to these challenges, a federal bill is being proposed that would require health insurance to cover prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men.
“It's certainly one thing to be able to bring men in and screen them but whats next? So how are men going to receive treatment if they don't have insurance or don't’ have adequate insurance,” said Beth Johnson with the American Cancer Society.
State lawmakers have also formed a study committee to explore possible legislative solutions.