My name is Robert Ginyard.  I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010. I was successfully treated for the disease through surgery, and radiation combined with hormone therapy. Because of a history of prostate cancer in my family, I began getting tested at age 40. Now, I can’t take all the credit for getting tested; my wife reminded me to make sure a PSA was part of my annual exam.    

After an annual routine physical, my primary care physician noticed my PSA – prostate specific antigen levels were elevated at a higher level than normal for my age; I was 48 years old at the time.  Based on the PSA results, my doctor recommended I get a biopsy; I did, and sure enough I had prostate cancer.  After a thorough discussion with my wife, the urologist, and the team that would be treating me, I made an informed decision on which treatment would provide the best chances for a successful outcome.  

I’ll be perfectly honest, my plan was to get treated for the disease, and go about living a normal life. Well, I quickly discovered there is no normal life after having cancer. Having vowed to move on with life and claim a silent victory for surviving prostate cancer, I had no plans to tell others about my battle with the disease. Hmmm... did I have it all wrong. Early detection saved my life, and I had a duty to make sure others did not succumb to this disease by lack of knowledge. I became a vocal proponent of early screening to catch the disease early so that men would have better treatment options, reduced cost of care, and subsequently extend their lives.  

I got involved with my local community by visiting churches, health expos, lunch and learn sessions hosted by government agencies, and appearing on local and national radio and television shows to share my cancer journey. And while I felt that I was making a difference, something was still missing. I felt that I was only providing awareness of the disease, but not addressing something a little deeper. Then it hit me-; what I was not addressing were some of the root causes of poor health outcomes-the social determinants of health.  

With that in mind, I created a series of discussions focused on members of all generations to participate in practices that promote a healthy lifestyle, NOW, so that we leave a legacy of knowledge that will help future generations make informed decisions regarding their health and taking ownership of their health outcomes.  

Part of my life’s mission is to offer a life-changing view of how we can live a healthy and productive life though actions that will inspire future generations to follow in the footsteps of the prior generation. That’s my mission, and yes...it’s possible.  

I look forward to witnessing the work BACPAC is committed to undertake to improve prostate cancer care for Black and African- descent men.