Jerry McCormick Urges Black Men: Get Tested at 45

When Jerry McCormick visited his doctor last summer for routine bladder issues, he never expected the news that would change his life. A simple blood test revealed that half of his prostate was cancerous, and at 57, he was caught completely off guard.

Within days, McCormick was scheduled for surgery to remove his prostate. He later needed a second major operation. "You think you're done, but you're not," he said. "Cancer can hide and come back. A lot of Black men are caught by surprise."

The statistics tell a sobering story. While one in eight men will face prostate cancer in their lifetime, Black men face odds of one in six. In San Diego County alone, nearly 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with some communities experiencing death rates higher than state and national averages.

Dr. Rayna McKay from UC San Diego Health's Moores Cancer Center points to barriers like limited screening access, delayed treatment, and gaps in health care coverage as contributing factors. Parts of South Bay and Carlsbad show the county's highest prostate cancer death rates, while Del Mar and Mid-City report some of the lowest.

Why This Inspires

McCormick credits that single PSA test with saving his life. Now he's partnering with Dr. McKay to create something powerful: a support group specifically for men of color and younger patients who often feel isolated after diagnosis.

The good news keeps getting better. Over the past 20 years, the mortality rate among Black men has dropped by about 50%, thanks to improved screening and treatment. When caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.

Current medical guidelines recommend that Black men begin screening at age 45, five years earlier than the general population. It's a simple appointment that can catch cancer before it spreads.

McCormick now shares his story at seminars and community events, meeting men who might otherwise skip that crucial doctor's visit. His message stays consistent and urgent: "The earlier you get tested, the faster you can get help. Please go get tested."

One appointment changed Jerry McCormick's life, and now he's determined to help save others through the same simple act of prevention.