Roker Hits the Catwalk for Cancer
- Al Roker, 67, along with other men, walked in the Blue Jacket Fashion Show to raise awareness for prostate cancer, a disease he beat.
- Roker announced his diagnosis in November 2020. He opted for surgery to treat his prostate cancer.
- Those that are at a high risk of developing prostate cancer should start screening at age 40 or 45, depending upon your specific circumstances.
Roker, along with other men, walked in the 6th annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show Thursday night to raise awareness for this disease. Roker publicly battled prostate cancer in 2020. The event was a festive addition to New York Fashion Week, and even Vogue editor Anna Wintour was there for the show.
Read MoreRoker’s wife, ABC television journalist Deborah Roberts, tweeted about the event, sharing her pride with the world. His wife since 1995 writes, “So proud of @alrokerâ© and all the men who walked the Blue Jacket fashion show to bring awareness to prostate cancer. What a night!”
So proud of â¦@alrokerâ© and all the men who walked the Blue Jacket fashion show to bring awareness to prostate cancer. What a night! pic.twitter.com/2bB5xWkWfR
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) February 18, 2022
Al’s Prostate Cancer Journey
In November 2020, Roker announced on-air that he had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He continued to be public about his battle with prostate cancer, and transparent around his treatment. Roker opted for surgery to treat his prostate cancer.
Roker recalls how a routine exam revealed his prostate cancer. Thinking everything would be okay, he told his wife she didn't need to accompany him to his appointment. "It was a scheduled 'let's go over the results of your biopsy' [type of thing]," says Roker. "The doctor closed the door and told Al, 'I like to give these results in person,’" he recalls in an earlier interview.
Roker remembers how he thought for a moment: "Is there any way I could do this without telling [my wife] Deborah? Because she'll be furious she wasn't here." Roker says Deborah's journalistic skills went into "over-drive" after his diagnosis.
PSA Screening for Cancer
Roker has publicly stressed the importance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for men, which screen for prostate cancer. PSA tests look for PSA in the bloodstream, which could indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer or other cancers in your family, you should begin screening for prostate cancer earlier than the average person. The current recommendation is to begin screening at age 50 if you have an average risk of prostate cancer.
Related: Staggeringly Higher Prostate Cancer Rates for Black Men
Those who are at a high risk of developing prostate cancer, should start screening at age 40 or 45, depending upon your specific circumstances. Speak with your doctor about what's best for you, and advocate for your health lead each doctor's appointment with a plan.
When Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?
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