There's no such thing as a small question when it comes to our health. Sure, the health care team has the medical knowledge, but you're the best judge of what your body needs. The more details you provide, the better you and your doctor can collaborate to develop a plan.
What we say and do can affect our care. And we can be more successful when we are well-informed and take an active role in our treatment. The more we know, the more capable we'll be to speak up for our needs.
By being open and transparent, you're helping yourself and a doctor you trust find a solution that's suited to your needs.
Shannon Sharpe, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Host of Undisputed, Talk That Talk Ambassador, Prostate Cancer Survivor
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Being proactive about our health is the best way to influence our care, and it requires speaking up for ourselves when necessary.
When we ask questions, we advocate for ourselves. Questions invite a discussion between us and our doctors. Here are a few to keep in mind during your next visit:
Find more by downloading this guide. The next time you head into the doctor's office, take it with you to keep the conversation going. Get the answers you need.
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It takes preparation to succeed. It is important to educate ourselves about prostate cancer before discussing it with our doctor. That way, we can feel confident during our next visit.
As you advocate for your health, here are some suggestions for making sure that your questions are answered:
Know the Facts: Research and read up on prostate cancer from trusted resources. Talk your talk with other men in your circle who may have experienced prostate cancer. They understand the importance of investing in prostate health, and they will be able to provide their own perspective.
Talk to Your Doctor About PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Screenings: No matter when our next health appointment is, if we're 40 or older, we should talk to our doctors about a PSA blood test. Regular conversations with our doctors about our prostate health should become a part of our routine care. We might not have a primary doctor yet, but our insurance, local hospital, or neighborhood clinic can help us find one.
Prepare Ahead of Time: Write down all the questions you want to ask your doctor about your prostate health and bring them with you to the appointment. Ask questions until you feel that your concerns have been addressed. And if your questions haven't been addressed, you're allowed to find a second opinion.
Be Ready to Share: Show up to your appointment ready, honest, and open. Don't be afraid to provide details that you may not even think are important — your doctors might need these details to provide you with personalized care. Remember, if you don't understand something your doctor has said, you can always ask them to clarify what they mean.
Follow-up: If your prostate exam reveals something unusual, ask for a referral to a specialist, like a urologist, as soon as you receive the results. You might need additional tests to better understand your prostate health.
Your Talk, Your Walk Handbook makes it easy for you to manage your prostate health. You build your guide with the information you need to make informed decisions.
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You deserve to know what's going on with your body and be empowered to make the right decisions. The first step to investing in your prostate health is talking with your doctor about screening.
Use the Talk That Talk tools with your doctor and ask questions. If you aren't getting the answers you need, speak with your friends and family for suggestions of doctors you can partner with. You can also research doctors who've had experience working with Black men's health.
Clarence M., Living with Prostate Cancer
The more we lead by example and open up, the more comfortable other men will feel about doing the same. Get tips on how to self-advocate and build your circle of trust to stay on top of your prostate health.
You're not alone. It may seem challenging to find someone to talk to when you're worried about your prostate health, but many Black men have been where you are. Communities of Black men who have dealt with prostate health issues are out there and are open to sharing their experiences.
These men know exactly what you might be going through because they've been through it too. They know what it feels like not knowing what's next or how to talk to your family. By sharing our experiences and feelings, we can move forward — together.
