*Hall of Famer and Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning has opened up about his recent battle with prostate cancer and the surgery he underwent to treat it. In an emotional interview with Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Mourning stressed the importance of regular health screenings, especially for diseases like prostate cancer that often show few symptoms until advanced stages.
Mourning’s journey began in late 2022 when his urologist, Dr. Maury Jayson, noticed a concerning rise in his PSA (prostate-specific antigen) scores. Elevated PSA levels can be an early indicator of prostate cancer, prompting Dr. Jayson to schedule an MRI screening. The results revealed some shadows, leading to a biopsy on February 23, 2023. The diagnosis came from Dr. Sanoj Punnen, a urologic oncologist at the University of Miami, who confirmed that Mourning had a Gleason score of eight, indicating a high grade of prostate cancer.
“And Dr. Punnen tells me, ‘I want to get a PET scan immediately to make sure cancer hasn’t spread through your body,’” Mourning told ESPN. Mourning, who was in top physical condition, was shocked by the news. Despite feeling great and maintaining an active lifestyle, the diagnosis was a stark reminder of the silent nature of the disease.
The PET scan fortunately revealed that the cancer had not spread, allowing Mourning to undergo surgery in March to remove his prostate and prevent the cancer from spreading.
Mourning is currently recovering from the surgery and is grateful for the proactive steps he took in monitoring his health.
“What scares me about this disease is that there are so many men walking around feeling great and have that cancer in them and they don’t know it,” Mourning told ESPN. “The only way to find out is to get their blood tested and get their PSA checked. There are 3.3 million men living in the U.S. with prostate cancer, and many don’t even know it. I was one of those guys.”
As an NBA champion, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and seven-time All-Star, Mourning’s achievements on the court are well-known. Since retiring in 2008, he has been a vital member of the Miami Heat front office, currently serving as the vice president of player programs. Now, Mourning is using his platform to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.
“If I didn’t get routine checkups, I probably wouldn’t be here to talk about this. I want men to be proactive with their health,” Mourning emphasized. His proactive approach not only saved his life but also highlighted the critical importance of regular health screenings for all men.
Mourning’s message is clear: men’s health should never be taken for granted, and routine checkups can make a life-saving difference. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even those who feel perfectly healthy should remain vigilant about their health and undergo regular screenings.
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