This sportscaster shares his cancer story: ‘Black men nearly twice as likely to die of prostate cancer’

Professional sportscaster and host of the podcast ‘The Last Stand’, Brian Custer, takes on a new title: cancer survivor.

Now a spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Custer is sharing his personal story of being diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 42, and how he beat the odds.

According to Dr. Brandon Mahal, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center and PCF spokesperson, lack men are nearly two times as likely to develop prostate cancer and almost two times more likely to die. Through his research he hopes to see a vast decrease in these disparities, but says that people sharing personal stories, like Custer, is a major part of making men aware of the risk they may have.

Custer, who after surgery and radiation is now fully in remission, has used his experience to spread awareness in the Black community of the risks when it comes to prostate cancer. “Every time I go to the doctor now I always post it on social media. I use the same thing, ‘Men get checked because it could save your life — it saved mine,’” says Custer. “Even if we save one person, that’s enough for me.”

For those who want to mitigate risks, Mahal encourages regular screenings and exercise. “The major, major take home is live a healthy lifestyle, follow up with your doctor and if you’re high risk, it’s that much more important to do those things.”