Prostate Cancer Awareness: Miami Heat Legend Alonzo Mourning Urges Men to Get Screened and Take Action
Former Miami Heat Star Alonzo Mourning Speaks Out About Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
In a significant revelation, NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning, renowned for his illustrious career with the Miami Heat, has broken his silence after disclosing his battle with cancer.
“This is not just about me; it extends far beyond my personal experience. I genuinely believe that I am being used as a vessel to spread awareness,” expressed Mourning.
Alonzo Mourning underwent surgery to remove his prostate after a diagnosis of stage 3 cancer. He's now considered cancer-free pic.twitter.com/wV3iZB8KPX
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 3, 2024
Mourning’s mission is to raise awareness about prostate cancer, prompted by his own stage three diagnosis in February. Having undergone prostate removal surgery eleven weeks ago, the former Heat center, currently serving as the vice president for player programs and development, is determined to advocate for early detection and proactive measures.
“Even though it was a high-grade cancer, it had reached a point where I’d had spread to my bloodstream or my organs. I was blessed. I truly was. It stayed in this capsule, and they were able to remove it,” said Mourning.
Mourning says his diagnosis came as a surprise since he says he was in the best shape he had been in – in a while.
“Doctors told me it was way beyond your control. Your grandfather had prostate cancer. Your father had prostate cancer. So there’s a 50% chance that you will get prostate cancer,” said Mourning.
Mourning says he has received an outpouring of support from the NBA community and beyond.
Receiving messages from people who have gone through the same thing.
He says that’s why he’s making it his mission to use his platform to bring awareness – that screenings save lives.
“It’s a lot of people that won’t be as lucky as I am. But I feel like if I can touch them before it even gets to that point and they’re able to make the right health decisions for themselves then that’s what this is all about,” said Mourning.
We asked Mourning, who is a huge philanthropist in the South Florida community, how would he incorporate this issue in his charity work.
He says he hasn’t thought about it but will continue to speak to as many men as he can.
