‘I Was Happiest Surviving Prostate Cancer,’ Said Late Actor & Cancer Survivor Sidney Poitier, Who Died Today & Beat Prostate Cancer after 1993 Diagnosis

Today the world is mourning the loss of this Hollywood titan who broke barriers. In 1964, Poitier won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his 1963 film Lilies of the Field, becoming the first Black man to do so. He’s revered for his work in movies like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Paris Blues, and To Sir, with Love. 

Remembrances poured in, as stars and politicians around the globe paid their respects. Actress Kerry Washington says on Twitter, “We lost an elegant King today. Thank you Sidney Poitier. For not only opening the door, but for walking in this world with endless grace and excellence, so that today, still, we follow behind you, reaching toward the example that you set. Rest In Peace and in Power. We love you.”

We lost an elegant King today. Thank you Sidney Poitier. For not only opening the door, but for walking in this world with endless grace and excellence, so that today, still, we follow behind you, reaching toward the example that you set. Rest In Peace and in Power. We love you. pic.twitter.com/CP2ga9KiHu

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 7, 2022

Oprah Winfrey, who considered Poitier a mentor, writes on Instagram, accompanied by a picture of her hugging Poitier, “For me, the greatest of the "Great Trees" has fallen: Sidney Poitier. My honor to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Wisdom teacher. The utmost, highest regard and praise for his most magnificent, gracious, eloquent life. I treasured him. I adored him. He had an enormous soul I will forever cherish. Blessings to Joanna and his world of beautiful daughters.”

 

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Actress Viola Davis, an Oscar winner like Poitier, writes, “This is a big one. No words can describe how your work radically shifted my life. The dignity, normalcy, strength, excellence and sheer electricity you brought to your roles showed us that we, as Black folks, mattered!!! ”

 

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Davis continues, “It was an honor for my husband and I to share lunch with you at Spagos. You told us,"If your dreams do not scare you, they’re not big enough"! I put this quote on my daughter’s wall. Rest well Mr. Poitier. Thank you! Thank you for leaving a legacy. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Director and actor Tyler Perry writes, “Around this time last year Cicely Tyson was releasing her book and promoting it. I had no idea she would pass away shortly thereafter. Now, to wake up this morning to a call that Sidney Poitier has passed away…”

Around this time last year Cicely Tyson was releasing her book and promoting it. I had no idea she would pass away shortly thereafter. Now, to wake up this morning to a call that Sidney Poitier has passed away… continued: https://t.co/WWbsTgh1U0 pic.twitter.com/jgezv2ktGD

— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) January 7, 2022

Poitier’s Cancer Battle in the 1990s

Poitier was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993 when he was 66 years old. The actor successfully treated his disease with surgery, a common treatment path for prostate cancer. This disease can also be treated with radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Related: Prostate Cancer: Overview

Dr. Stephen Freedland, a Urologist at Cedars-Sinai, said in a previous interview of prostate cancer surgery, "A lot of times, people are like, look, I just want the tumor out. Just cut it out, and I want to be done. I said, great, surgery's a good choice for you. It's typically done through a robotic technique today, at least in the United States."

Related: If You Have a Family History of Prostate Cancer, Get Screened Early

"But a lot of patients are still getting open surgery," he said. "Depending on the surgeon, it may be two, three, four, five hours somewhere in that range, usually spend one night in the hospital. You wake up from the surgery with a catheter in your bladder. Once you're home, it's really just recovering, gaining your strength back. The catheter comes out about 10 days after surgery."

1 Important Question Every Prostate Cancer Patient Getting Radiation Should Ask Their Doctor

How Do You Screen for Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is screened for via PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, which looks for PSA in the bloodstream. In a previous interview, Dr. James Brooks, a Urologic Oncologist at Stanford Medicine, said, "Current guidelines are to start screening at age 55 and continue screening through age 70."

Related: Staggeringly Higher Prostate Cancer Rates for Black & Latino Men

"The reason for that is prostate cancer diagnosed after age 70 has a reasonably low probability it's going to take your life because prostate cancer, even in its aggressive forms, when it's localized is a relatively slow-growing cancer."

Dr. David Wise added, "Men who are at high risk because of a family history should have PSA testing earlier. At latest, age 40, but probably even by age 35, they should have an initial PSA. That PSA test at a younger age, it's a more accurate test because the prostate has not increased in size, which can cause the test to be more difficult to interpret."

When Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?

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