Prostate Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives
Utica, NY — September 14, 2025 — More than 40 African American men gathered at the Carol L. Crooms BECA Center for Circle of Strength: A Night of Brotherhood & Wellness, an event focused on prostate cancer awareness, men’s health, and community support. The event was co-sponsored by the Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS), the Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA), and the NAACP Oneida County Branch.
The evening featured a screening of The Black Walnut, a film by prostate cancer survivor Terrance Afer-Anderson, who joined virtually for a Q&A. He shared how his own diagnosis and his brother’s battle with the disease inspired the film, which has been screened in Rochester and Utica, with plans for wider distribution.
Local residents also shared powerful testimonies. Utica’s Larry Fennell, 48, spoke about how regular screenings, encouraged by his wife, Mona Lisa Fermin Fennell, have given him peace of mind. Event organizer Courtney Muhammad shared his family’s history with prostate cancer, emphasizing the lifesaving importance of early detection.
Medical experts Dr. Cynthia L. Jones and Dr. Hanan Goldberg answered questions and underscored that prostate cancer is highly curable when caught early, with cure rates close to 99%. “It’s better to do early screening and detection than to be sad at the funeral,” Dr. Jones said.
The Mohawk Valley Health System is offering free prostate cancer screenings throughout September at Upstate Urology at MVHS, Faxton Campus, 1675 Bennett Street, Utica. Screenings are available to men ages 45 to 75 on September 2, 5, 10, 18, 22, and 30. To register, call 315-624-4600.
