
Why Black Men Stay Silent About Prostate Cancer—and How That Silence Is Killing Us
For many Black men, it feels safer than speaking up, safer than admitting fear, safer than facing what might be wrong inside their bodies. Prostate cancer.
Kenneth Wells is a passionate advocate for men’s health and a voice for those silenced by fear, pride, and societal expectations. A native of Compton, California, Kenneth’s journey is one of resilience, strength, and transformation. His personal battle with prostate cancer, coupled with his experiences growing up in a community where silence around health issues was the norm, inspired him to share his story with the world.
Surviving Prostate Cancer as a Black Man: The Silence is Over is a deeply personal memoir by Kenneth Wells that sheds light on the silent struggles many men, particularly Black men, face when dealing with prostate cancer. This powerful book chronicles Kenneth’s journey from his initial diagnosis to his recovery, offering an honest and raw portrayal of his fears, pride, and the societal pressures that kept him from seeking help for so long.
Through his story, Kenneth not only explores the physical and emotional toll of living with prostate cancer but also reflects on the broader cultural and generational silence surrounding men’s health in Black communities. He delves into the complexities of manhood, vulnerability, and the painful journey of overcoming shame, seeking support when it’s needed most.

For many Black men, it feels safer than speaking up, safer than admitting fear, safer than facing what might be wrong inside their bodies. Prostate cancer.

We have all heard the saying, “Tough it out.” It’s a phrase often passed down from generation to generation, a hallmark of what it means to be a man in many cultures.

As Black men, we are often taught to be tough, to endure, and to keep moving forward—no matter the cost. In fact, for generations, we’ve been conditioned to keep our struggles.