Council recognizes Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; community groups to offer free PSA testing

The Los Angeles City Council formally recognized September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and heard survivors and advocates urge early screening.

Council President Marquise Harris Dawson opened the presentation by stressing the disproportionate impact on Black men and the importance of early detection. "African American men are more likely to contract prostate cancer, and almost 3 times as likely to die as some other groups once they've contracted the disease," he said, calling community outreach essential. Councilmember Hutt, who described seeing family members through diagnosis and treatment, added: "Early detection saves lives. A simple conversation with your doctor in a routine screening are small steps that can make all the difference in the world."

Brian Crook, a community‑health advocate who said he has been in community health for more than 20 years and who noted a personal prostate diagnosis, asked the city to light City Hall blue and thanked city leaders for the recognition. Alonzo "Lonzo" Williams, who shared his own diagnosis, urged use of PSA testing instead of mandatory digital rectal exams and promoted a free PSA testing event: "We will have free prostate PSA exams Saturday at Compton College. It is the best way to check for prostate cancer."

The presentation included brief remarks from councilmembers who thanked advocates and noted the role of community‑based education in drawing men to screenings.