Webinar: Black Men Taking Charge of Our Health – A Fireside Chat About “Knowing Your Numbers”
April is National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) presents a fireside chat between NCCS Vice-Chair Lisa D. T. Rice and Lamont Mitchell, prostate cancer survivor and founder of Know Your Numbers DC, a Washington, DC-based organization dedicated to encouraging Black men to take charge of their health by getting tested for key health indicators, like PSA levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
“Knowing your key health indicators is a start, but maintaining a healthy diet, controlling your weight, and regularly exercising are essential for a long and healthy life,” Mitchell told The Washington Informer.
When he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in April 2023, Mitchell sought out a second opinion, researched his treatment options, and participated in a clinical trial. “It’s vitally important that you seek out centers of excellence when dealing with cancer. There is a critical need for more Black men to participate in medical research,” he told the Informer.
This friendly conversation is illuminating and important for all men and those who love them!
Watch the full video below or watch on YouTube.
Webinar Resources
- Know Your Numbers DC Website
- Washington Informer Interview with Lamont
- Video Chapters/Conversation Topics:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 03:33 Lamont’s Treatment Story
- 13:10 Second Opinions
- 17:23 Clinical Trial Participation
- 23:30 About Know Your Numbers
- 30:55 Prostate Screening & Choice
- 37:36 Cancer is Not a Death Sentence
- 39:47 Lamont’s Legacy
- 40:45 Medical Mistrust
- 44:00 Audience Q&A
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About Lamont Mitchell
Founder
Know Your Numbers DC
Lamont Mitchell is a prostate cancer survivor and the founder of Know Your Numbers DC, dedicated to encouraging African American men to get tested for major illnesses, including PSA levels, A1C (average blood sugar), blood pressure readings, and other vital health indicators. Through this initiative, Mitchell aims to empower men in his community to take charge of their health and seek early detection and treatment when necessaryMitchell is a prostate cancer survivor and the founder of Know Your Numbers DC, dedicated to encouraging African American men to get tested for major illnesses, including PSA levels, A1C (average blood sugar), blood pressure readings, and other vital health indicators. Through this initiative, Mitchell aims to empower men in his community to take charge of their health and seek early detection and treatment when necessary
About Lisa D. T. Rice, SM
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Lisa D. T. Rice, SM, is an influential advocate for multiple causes—including quality cancer care, women’s health and empowerment, and palliative and hospice care. She is a political strategist and social media activist, driven by the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior.
A sought-after communications expert and recent cancer survivor, Lisa has represented the caregiver’s perspective on Cancer Care Planning (2018 NCCS CPAT symposium) and Overtreatment & Overdiagnosis (2018 NCCS Cancer Policy Roundtable) panels. Lisa supports other survivors and advocates with one-on-one coaching, teaching them how to deliver succinct, compelling stories to policymakers about cancer’s personal impact. She also accompanies survivors on constituent visits to their members of Congress. She has actively advocated for NCCS policy efforts on Capitol Hill in both the U.S. House and Senate since 2016.
Lisa serves on the board of directors of Unite America (investing in the infrastructure of political reform) and is past president of the Newcomb Alumnae Association. A fourth-generation quilter, she is dedicated to preserving this art form and teaching the next generation of makers.
Lisa holds a B.A. degree in American Studies from Newcomb College of Tulane University and an M.S. degree in Management from the MIT Sloan School. A native Washingtonian, Lisa lives in the District with her husband, Tom Thompson.
