Al Roker: A Grandfather's Gratitude for Early Prostate Cancer Detection

Al Roker A Grandfather's Gratitude for Early Prostate Cancer Detection

In September 2020, amid the COVID pandemic, Al Roker contemplated postponing his annual physical. Ultimately, he decided to keep the appointment—a decision that proved crucial. It led to the discovery of an aggressive form of prostate cancer, which was thankfully caught early.

On November 9, 2020, Roker, 69, underwent surgery at New York City's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to remove his prostate, lymph nodes, and some surrounding tissue. Today, his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels are below 1, considered undetectable.

Roker shares his journey to encourage other men, particularly Black men, who are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer, to get checked. He feels blessed to have caught the cancer early, allowing him to remain close to his wife, ABC News' senior national affairs correspondent Deborah Roberts, their daughter Leila, son Nick, his daughter Courtney from his first marriage, and her daughter, Sky, who turns one in July.

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“I’m so grateful I’m here to see my first grandchild,” he says about Sky. “If there’s any reason to make sure you’re as healthy as possible, it’s that. That little girl is everything. I love my children, but my gosh, I didn’t know I could love another person this much.”

In his essay, Roker recounts his path to becoming cancer-free.

During COVID, there was a lull, and I thought, "Oh, I need to get a physical." I’d put it off because it just seemed too difficult. So I went to my GP, who did all the tests.

Al Roker A Grandfather's Gratitude for Early Prostate Cancer Detection

He said, "Everything's great, but your PSA number is up, and that could be any number of things."

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He sent me to a urologist who suggested we re-test in two weeks.

Two weeks later, my PSA was still elevated, so the urologist recommended a biopsy. He assured me, "We'll have the results in two weeks. Don’t worry about it."

When I returned for the results, he closed the door and said, "I always prefer to discuss these matters in person." I was stunned when he mentioned prostate cancer. I zoned out after that, which is why it helps to have someone with you during such appointments.

I hadn’t known I’d receive a diagnosis that day; otherwise, I would have brought Deborah with me. When I told her, she was alarmed and felt guilty for not being there. She immediately became my advocate, attending every appointment and taking notes.

We did extensive research and, thanks to connections through the Today show, I found Dr. Vincent Laudone at Memorial Sloan Kettering. After genetic testing, it was confirmed that I had a fairly aggressive form of prostate cancer.

I opted for surgery to remove the cancer.

A month later, I had the operation.

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This experience motivated me to prioritize my health. Post-surgery, they advised walking for recovery, so I did—up to five miles a day.

After the surgery, you must return in six months for a check-up. As the date approached, I felt anxious. Thankfully, my PSA was undetectable.

This ordeal saved my life. Public figures can choose to stay private, but I believe sharing my story can help others. Black men are particularly vulnerable to prostate cancer and more likely to die from it. After my story aired, there was a 40% increase in prostate exams among men.

Al Roker A Grandfather's Gratitude for Early Prostate Cancer Detection

Two years later, I faced another major health crisis. I was hospitalized in 2023 for blood clots that spread to my lungs and internal bleeding from ulcers. Surgeons resected my colon, removed my gallbladder, and repaired my duodenum. My doctor said that being in good shape likely saved my life.

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So, in a way, the prostate cancer diagnosis saved my life twice.

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms until it's advanced. Early detection is crucial. Yes, the exam can be momentarily uncomfortable, but it’s essential.

The American Cancer Society recommends screenings starting at age 45 for Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation advises Black men to begin testing at 40. All men aged 55-69 should discuss screening with their doctors.

I’m fortunate to have Deborah as my advocate and access to excellent healthcare. Many people don’t have such advantages, and this must change. If I had waited months for treatment, my story might have had a different ending.

Spending time with my granddaughter is a joy. She’s well-loved, content, and has a refined palate for a baby. Her mom is a chef, so that’s not surprising.

Good health allows me more precious moments with loved ones, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

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Blessed is the Name of your Lord, full of Majesty and Honour.