“Go Get a Checkup.” – Joseph’s Prostate Cancer Advice
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Joseph Martin was living a full life surrounded by family when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news came as a shock and forced him to face questions about his health, future, and faith.
In this cancer vlog, Joseph shares how he navigated his diagnosis, chose robotic surgery, and learned to open up to his loved ones about his health. With his wife, a nurse, by his side, and his children offering support, he found strength in family conversations and regular checkups.
Joseph encourages others to take care of themselves, seek medical guidance, and cherish every moment with family.
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This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Every 13 minutes, a Black man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. (American Cancer Society, 2022)
Introduction
Meet Joseph
My name is Joseph Martin. I’m a survivor of prostate cancer.
Learning I had prostate cancer
I didn’t know that much about it. I just heard of it. I didn’t ever think that I would have cancer, but you never know what life is going to bring you.
Black and African American men are much more likely to develop prostate cancer. 1 in 6 Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime — compared to 1 in 8 men overall. (American Cancer Society, 2022)
Talking with my wife and doctors
When you hear something that you don’t know whether you can live with or without, it makes you think. I talked with the urologists, the doctors, and my wife, who was a nurse. We sat down and talked about the possibilities of what could be and what could not be. Once I decided that I wanted to do the robotic surgery, it was a challenge and something to get used to, but we overcame it, and I’ve been doing great.
Today, there are over 3 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Black men in the U.S. and Caribbean have the highest documented prostate cancer incidence rates in the world. (American Cancer Society, 2022)
Sharing everything with my family
Whenever something goes on with me, I let my wife, my son, and my daughter know. I used to hold back from them to see first what’s going to happen. But now, when I go to the doctor and find out something serious, I tell them that we have to talk.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends that Black men and those with a family history should begin talking to their doctor about screening as early as age 40.
Importance of regular checkups and why early detection matters
You don’t have to be sick to go to the doctor. Get a checkup every six months, every three months. Do it on a regular basis. That way, if anything goes wrong, you will find out before it’s too late. Some people don’t want to do anything but work and then die. I had more life in me. I wanted to retire and do anything that I wanted to do afterward.
Go to the doctor. Sit down and talk with your family. Let them know what’s going on in your life, whether it’s good or bad. Do what it takes and what’s necessary. Live a productive life. See your grandkids grow up. See your grandkids’ kids, if you can. I would love to see my grandkids grow up and, if possible, their kids. I have two great-grandkids now. Most people never get to see great-grandkids at my age. Do the right thing and go to the doctor.
In our next episode, we introduce you to Joe’s son, Jamel, who has played an important role in his father’s cancer journey.
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Story Sponsor
Thank you to our sponsor for supporting our independent patient education content. The Patient Story retains full editorial control.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Hear from people living with prostate cancer
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