After beating prostate cancer twice, Montell Jordan has a message for Black men

Montell Jordan remembers realizing that knowing his medical history could inspire diverse communities to seek preventive care.

It was January 2024. Jordan got a biopsy and an MRI prostate scan during a routine checkup and received news he developed early-stage prostate cancer.

“It was devastating, because I had a track record of knowing what my blood pressure was or if I was prediabetic. I’ve always taken great precautions to be able to know about my health,” Jordan said.

Jordan’s early detection allowed him to decide between radiation treatments or surgery to remove his prostate. After having additional medical exams done, he decided to have a prostatectomy in November.

The cancer returned less than a year later, but Jordan wasn’t discouraged by its recurrence. He underwent 37 proton therapy treatments in 52 days at Emory University Hospital’s Winship Cancer Institute before he was declared cancer-free.

Jordan hopes sharing his story will encourage Black men to be aware and proactive about their health and wellness.

On Saturday, Jordan is being recognized by A to A Community Events and Screenings (A²CES) at its inaugural Race for PACES 5K/10K Walk Run for Prostate Cancer at Westside Beltline. The family-friendly event held in time for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is hosted by the four-year-old, all-volunteer organization of licensed medical professionals who provide free statewide mobile health clinics to underserved communities.

Vendors at the event are offering literature, free blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, mental health and prostate screenings throughout the race.

Jordan is also one of 11 honorees at A²CES’ inaugural Blue Ribbon Gala, a ticketed seated dinner and ball that recognizes prostate cancer survivors, at Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway later that evening.

“It’s an award I’d never thought I would want, but it’s more about me telling somebody else how they can have their life saved by listening to their bodies and (getting) regular screenings. The earlier that you’re detected, there are more options available to you,” Jordan said. “It’s important for men to preserve their family legacy by taking action to preserve their life.”

Zero Prostate Cancer, an organization that supports prostate cancer awareness, reported in a study that Black men are 1.7 times more likely to get diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.

A²CES’ chief operating officer and managing partner Dr. Xavier Bryant, an Atlanta-based licensed pharmacist, said Jordan shares the organization’s mission to support early detection.

“It’s about getting ahead of the curve. We’re an advocate for any form of screening, and he’s been so vocal about his journey with his faith, family and how it’s played a role in making him a two-time survivor,” Bryant said.

“His spirit glows, and it looks like cancer never approached his spirit. He’s (Montell) allowing God to utilize him and represents the essence of what all Black men should want to aspire to be.”

A²CES executive director Dr. Adebayo Akintobi said Jordan is being recognized for his humanity and resilience.

“He had a recurrence, and we wanted to showcase stories like his that people can relate to. Our goal is to let people know that even if the diagnosis comes through, it doesn’t mean the end of your life. If our gentlemen spot prostate cancer early, it’s 99% curable,” Akintobi said.

Dr. Adebayo Akintobi is the executive director of A to A Community Events and Screenings, an all-volunteer network of medical professionals who host free, statewide mobile health clinics in Georgia. (Courtesy of CN Better Media)

Before Jordan was a community advocate, he was a hitmaker. In 1995, he topped the charts with his party anthem, “This Is How We Do It.” A year later, he became one of the first solo artists signed to Def Soul Records, the R&B spinoff record company under the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings.

Jordan and his wife, Kristin, moved to metro Atlanta from Los Angeles to work in real estate in 2000. They became members of Victory World Church in Norcross in 2008 and executive pastors two years later.

From the Archives: Montell Jordan (R) and his wife Kristin enjoy the view on the top of Stone Mountain before the start of the 75th Annual Easter Sunrise Service Sunday, April 21, 2019. Jordan is a former Billboard Top Ten artist and executive pastor for Victory World Church in Norcross, GA. (Steve Schaefer for the AJC)

In 2022, Jordan and his wife founded Master Peace Church, their virtual, at-home ministry, in Dacula. It operated for two years as a livestream before switching to a weekly schedule.

Jordan said his career in entertainment allows him to share his personal experiences with a broader audience.

“My success and musicianship are now steppingstones for me to have a greater impact in someone else’s life. My music helped heal hearts, and God has me in a position to allow what I did (musically) to impact what we’re doing medically across the world,” Jordan said.

Being a cancer survivor meant Jordan made lifestyle changes. He started exercising frequently and drinking more water. He hired a nutritionist, gave up pork and dairy, and began fasting once a month to prevent the spread of cancer.

Jordan said his wife, relatives and spiritual community encouraged him to share his medical journey from beyond the pulpit.

“I had the best caregiver in the world, and we took church outside of the four walls. Her, my family, friends and church community coming alongside me showed me that I could do hard things, but I couldn’t do them alone. It takes a village and tribe to believe that God was going to heal me,” he said.

Jordan and his wife co-authored “Shilo and the Not-So-Scary Girl Above His Bed,” a children’s picture book about a monster who’s afraid of a young girl sleeping over his bed this month. He said they wrote it to encourage young readers to lead with their faith.

“We want to equip children to learn fear will still come, but you can be bold, courageous and take the next steps to be brave,” he said.

A to A Community Events and Screenings, an all-volunteer network of medical professionals who sponsor free mobile health clinics for underserved and unhoused communities in Georgia. (Courtesy of CN Better Media)

Jordan plans to continue his ministry and community health advocacy. He hopes retelling his story motivates men to prioritize their health.