Recurrent Cancer Fight: R&B singer Montell Jordan, 56, best known for his hit “This Is How We Do It,” is facing a renewed battle with prostate cancer. Less than a year after being declared cancer-free following a radical prostatectomy, Jordan shared on NBC’s TODAY on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, that the cancer has returned. According to People.com, this recurrence necessitates a new and intensive treatment plan to ensure a longer and healthier life for the artist.
The Initial Diagnosis and Treatment
Jordan’s journey began in January 2024 when routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings revealed elevated levels, leading to a Stage 1 prostate cancer diagnosis. He had been undergoing regular screenings for over a decade, which he credits with enabling early detection and a wider range of treatment options. As reported by Yahoo News UK, early detection has been a cornerstone of Jordan’s proactive approach to health.
In late 2024, Jordan underwent a radical prostatectomy, a surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the prostate gland. Initially, the surgical margins were clear, indicating no detectable cancer cells in the removed tissue. However, follow-up scans approximately nine months later revealed the presence of cancer in his lymph nodes and the prostate bed, signaling a recurrence, as detailed by FOX 10 Phoenix.
A New Treatment Regimen
Faced with the recurrence, Jordan is embarking on an intensive treatment plan. This includes targeted proton radiation therapy administered five days a week for seven and a half weeks. Concurrently, he will receive hormone blockers designed to suppress testosterone, a hormone that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Jordan described this regimen to Today.com as “a seven-and-a-half week interruption of life to make sure that I have a longer life.”
Proton Radiation Therapy
Proton radiation therapy is a type of external beam radiation therapy that uses protons instead of X-rays to kill cancer cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, proton therapy can target tumors more precisely than traditional radiation, reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This precision is particularly important in treating prostate cancer, where the prostate gland is located near sensitive organs such as the bladder and rectum.
Hormone Blockers
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a common treatment for prostate cancer. Androgens, such as testosterone, stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Hormone blockers work by reducing the levels of androgens in the body, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of the cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that hormone therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery.
Advocacy and Awareness
Despite the challenges, Jordan remains optimistic and is using his platform to advocate for early detection and to destigmatize prostate cancer, especially among Black men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, facing a higher risk of diagnosis and death compared to other racial groups. This disparity underscores the importance of early screening and access to quality healthcare.
Jordan has partnered with the nonprofit organization Zero Prostate Cancer to further his advocacy efforts. He is also documenting his health journey in an upcoming documentary titled “Sustain,” slated to debut in 2026. As reported by The Express Tribune, the documentary aims to provide a “template” for others diagnosed with prostate cancer, encouraging them to be vigilant about their health and understand their treatment options.
The Importance of Early Detection
Jordan emphasizes the importance of early detection through regular screenings. He has been undergoing routine PSA screenings for over a decade, which ultimately led to his initial diagnosis and treatment. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although they can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.
The American Urological Association recommends that men at average risk of prostate cancer begin discussing screening with their doctor at age 55. Men at higher risk, such as Black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer, may want to begin screening at an earlier age. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment options and improved outcomes.
Support System
Throughout his journey, Jordan has received unwavering support from his wife, Kristin, and their five children. The importance of a strong support system cannot be overstated when facing a cancer diagnosis. According to SurvivorNet, having a supportive network of family and friends can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and ability to cope with the challenges of treatment.
Conclusion
Montell Jordan’s renewed fight against prostate cancer underscores the importance of vigilance, early detection, and proactive healthcare. By sharing his journey and advocating for awareness, particularly among Black men, he is providing hope and guidance to others facing similar challenges. His commitment to documenting his experience in “Sustain” promises to be a valuable resource for patients and their families, reinforcing the message that early detection and a strong support system are crucial in the battle against prostate cancer.
