It’s been more than 30 years since Montell Jordan’s chart-topping hit “This Is How We Do It” defined a generation — but now, his life is echoing that same refrain in a very different way. The Grammy-winning R&B artist recently shared that his prostate cancer, which he thought he had beaten, has come back. Rather than retreat, Jordan is stepping forward, using his voice and story to push for early detection and destigmatize men’s health.
From Chart-Topping Fame to a Life-Changing Diagnosis
Jordan first went public with his diagnosis in early 2024, after a routine PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test revealed elevated levels. He underwent a radical prostatectomy — a surgery to remove his prostate — and felt cautiously optimistic when doctors reported “clear margins,” suggesting they removed all the cancer.
He didn’t let the diagnosis silence him. As a pastor and devoted family man, Jordan leaned on faith, love, and a quiet determination to use his personal battle as a larger mission.
Early Detection Saved Him the First Time
One of the biggest reasons Jordan credits his current outlook to hope is because he was diligent about screenings long before his diagnosis. In interviews, he’s talked openly about going for regular PSA blood tests and checkups, even when prostate screening felt taboo.
He told CBS News that early detection “not only saved my life, but it is also currently saving my life.”
For many men, the term “PSA screening” might sound technical — but here’s what it means in real life: a simple blood test that can flag unusually high levels of a protein (PSA) made by the prostate. Elevated PSA can be harmless, but it can also be one of the earliest clues that something needs closer attention. Catching cancer early often gives you more treatment options and a better shot at long-term health.
A Hard Return: When Cancer Came Back
Despite appearing clear after his prostatectomy, Jordan’s journey took a challenging turn. About nine months after the surgery, follow-up scans showed “tiny amounts” of cancer in a lymph node on his left side, as well as in the “prostate bed” — the area where his prostate used to be.
Doctors upgraded his diagnosis to Stage 2, indicating a more aggressive form of cancer than they originally thought.
Now, Jordan is preparing for a seven-and-a-half-week course of targeted proton radiation therapy, coupled with hormone-blocking treatment to reduce testosterone, which can fuel prostate cancer growth.
He’s clear-eyed about what this means: “It’s a seven-and-a-half week interruption of life to make sure that I have a longer life.”
Challenging Stereotypes and Breaking the Silence
One of the most powerful parts of Jordan’s story is how he’s leaning into vulnerability. He’s been candid about the emotional toll — admitting that sometimes “it’s OK to cry,” to shake your fist at God, or feel afraid.
He also highlights a harder truth: prostate cancer often carries a stigma tied to masculinity, especially in communities of Black men. According to his advocacy partner ZERO Prostate Cancer, Black men are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and to die from it.
As a newly named Global Ambassador for ZERO Prostate Cancer, Jordan is leaning in — not just on social media, but through meaningful outreach. He’s helping launch a 30-city “This Is How We Cure It” tour tied to his upcoming documentary Sustain, which aims to provide a real, compassionate guide for others navigating prostate cancer.
What His Journey Means for Everyday Men
Jordan’s story isn’t just about celebrity or survival — it’s about a broader message for all men, especially those who may be avoiding or ignoring prostate health.
- Get screened early, especially if you’re Black: Prostate cancer risks can be higher, and early detection often means more treatment options.
- Don’t wait on symptoms: Prostate cancer can be “quiet” — Jordan shared that he didn’t feel particularly “cancer-y,” even when things weren’t okay.
- Talk about it: Normalize conversations with your partner, your doctor, or even your circle of friends. Martyrology around men’s health can cost lives.
- Take action, even if it’s uncomfortable: Jordan frames his treatment not as a punishment, but as an investment — an interruption, yes, but one that protects the future.
Jordan’s health battle has become much more than a personal fight. Through openness, faith, and raw honesty, he’s using his platform to spark change. He’s giving others a roadmap — not just to survive, but to speak, to advocate, and to act. His message: this is how we do it — by coming together, by getting tested, and by holding nothing back.
