Phil Ford and Victor Taylor share prostate cancer survival stories for early detection

Two prostate cancer survivors are sharing their stories in hopes of saving lives.

Former UNC and professional basketball star, Phil Ford, and New Bern prostate cancer advocate, Victor Taylor, will take part in a free screening event this weekend.

Both are sharing the importance of early detection.

Phil Ford was once known for his prowess on the basketball court. But he says being proactive may have saved his life, “It was just an inner voice telling me to check it – make sure a hundred percent. Because you know, I got a couple of times where the doctors were 95 percent that I didn’t have it.”

But a final test revealed he did have prostate cancer. He credits UNC doctors for giving him the care he needed, “Luckily, we were able to get it all. I had an operation to remove it. We got it all, and I didn’t have to do chemo or radiation.”

Coming from your background, an elite athlete, very accomplished, we asked if he ever thought something like this would happen to him.

“They say if you live long enough and you’re a male, you’re gonna have prostate problems. So I urge every man to get that checked.”

It’s now recommended that African-American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer start screening for the disease at age 45. Through a digital rectal exam and a blood test known as a PSA test, a urologist can screen for cancer in hopes of catching it early.

New Bern native Victor Taylor had taken dozens of other men to a prostate cancer screening event when he decided at the last minute to get tested himself, “The Lord told me to get up and get tested. I got tested. Out of the three vans, I was the only one came back positive.”

He was 42 years old with no family history of the disease. Taylor had surgery to remove his prostate and radiation and 18 years later – his PSA levels are good, “I am cancer-free. I am cancer-free. I am happy and proud to say that I am cancer-free.”

Taylor, who’s now a prostate cancer advocate – has made some lifestyle changes – including eating healthier – and exercising more. Both he and Ford have an important message for men – especially African-American men.

“We’re prone to have prostate cancer more than any other group of men in the world. So we owe it to ourselves to try to detect it as early as we possibly can," Ford said.

“But just annually get checked. Early detection saves lives," Taylor added.

UNC's “men, know your numbers” prostate cancer screening event will take place at the Omega Center on Cedar Street in New Bern this Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.