Football Hall of Famer and actor O.J. Simpson passed away on Wednesday after a battle with prostate cancer, a disease that disproportionately affects Black men. The former Buffalo Bills running back had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two months ago and had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, with over 288,000 new cases diagnosed in 2023 alone. Black men, like Simpson, are more than twice as likely to have an aggressive form of the disease and be diagnosed at a later stage compared to white men. This stark health disparity highlights the importance of early detection and screening for prostate cancer in the Black community.
In a video posted on social media in May 2023, Simpson revealed his cancer diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of staying positive and fighting the disease. Despite his battle with cancer, Simpson remained defiant, denying rumors that he was in hospice care in connection with his illness.
The American Cancer Society recommends that Black men discuss with their doctors the possibility of screening for prostate cancer starting at age 45. Screening can include a physical exam of the prostate and a prostate-specific antigen blood test, which can help detect the disease early and improve outcomes.
Simpson’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of cancer awareness and early detection, particularly in communities that are disproportionately affected by the disease. His legacy as a football legend and actor will live on, but his battle with prostate cancer sheds light on the need for increased education and access to healthcare in the fight against this deadly disease.
