O.J. Simpson, the renowned football star and actor, passed away at the age of 76 after battling prostate cancer, shedding light on the health risks faced by men, particularly those in the Black community.
According to a statement released by the Simpson family, O.J. Simpson “succumbed to his battle with cancer.” The specific type of cancer responsible for his demise was prostate cancer. Simpson revealed his diagnosis in a video posted on X in May 2023, where he mentioned undergoing chemotherapy and using marijuana to alleviate nausea.
Despite rumors circulating in February about his health deteriorating in hospice care, Simpson denied being in such a situation, asserting that “all was well.”
Simpson’s death has reignited conversations about men’s health, particularly the importance of early detection of prostate cancer. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight the heightened risk of prostate cancer among Black men, with approximately 13 out of every 100 American men being diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.
Experts stress the significance of the PSA test (prostate-specific antigen test) in detecting prostate cancer early. Dr. Brooke Edwards, Chief Medical Officer of The Urology Group, emphasized the necessity for men to advocate for this test, as it may not always be routinely offered by primary care physicians.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at high risk, including Black men, begin discussing prostate cancer screenings at the age of 45. Simpson’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare measures in combating this prevalent disease.
