Prostate cancer research at Clark Atlanta University is advancing treatment and advancing health equity. In this Black History Month special, we spotlight the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development (CCRTD) and its Executive Director, Dr. Jaideep Chaudhary.

In this episode of If You Are My Brothers Podcast, host Reggie Hicks explores how CCRTD is advancing prostate cancer research, addressing health disparities, improving drug development, and engaging the community to drive better outcomes for African American men. Prostate cancer disproportionately impacts Black men.

CCRTD’s mission focuses on:

• Understanding cancer metastasis
• Improving treatment strategies
• Using AI and big data in cancer research
• Training the next generation of cancer scientists
• Community-driven prostate cancer awareness

Dr. Chaudhary explains the drug development pipeline, the importance of PSA screening, and how early detection reduces mortality by nearly 50%.

This Black History Month edition, we honor institutions and leaders shaping the future of cancer research and health equity.

📌 Learn more about CCRTD’s work at Clark Atlanta University

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What are the odds that four men from the same pledge line would all face prostate cancer? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of If You Are My Brothers, host Reggie Hicks is joined by three of his line brothers—Eric Chaney, Tony Liggett, and Frank “Frankie J.” Purnell—members of the Zeta Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the University of Georgia who pledged together in 1976. Decades after college, their brotherhood was tested again by the same diagnosis: prostate cancer.

Together, these men share their individual journeys—from diagnosis and treatment decisions to side effects, survivorship, and the emotional realities men rarely discuss. They talk candidly about PSA testing, active surveillance, radiation therapy, hormone treatment, incontinence, intimacy, and the importance of being your own health advocate. This is more than a conversation about cancer—it’s a call to action for men, especially Black men, to know their numbers, talk openly, and look out for one another. Brotherhood didn’t end at graduation—and in this case, it helped save lives.

🔔 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with a brother, father, son, or friend.

🎙️ Featured Guests:

• Eric Chaney – Prostate cancer survivor navigating treatment decisions
• Tony "T" Liggett – Survivor of aggressive prostate cancer and advocate for education
• Frank “Frankie J.” Purnell – Survivor emphasizing vigilance and family history

Learn more & support the mission: 👉 https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Early detection saves lives—know your PSA number
• Men must talk openly about prostate cancer
• Brotherhood and support matter during survivorship
• Treatment decisions should be informed and personalized
• Life after prostate cancer is real—and manageable

Support the Mission If You Are My Brothers is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) project of Straight Street Media, turning prostate cancer awareness into health action.

Visit 👉 https://www.ifyouaremybrothers.org to:

• Explore the documentary & podcast series
• Support community engagement efforts
• Help save lives through education and conversation

When a man hears the words “you have prostate cancer,” fear and uncertainty often follow. In this powerful and informative episode, host Reggie Hicks sits down with Dr. Rajesh Laungani, a board-certified urologist and Director of Minimally Invasive & Robotic Urology at Piedmont Hospital, to break down what prostate cancer surgery really looks like today. From robotic prostatectomy to minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Laungani explains how modern surgery has evolved, what men should realistically expect during recovery, and how to separate medical facts from fear-driven misinformation. This conversation is honest, empowering, and designed to help men make informed decisions about their health.

⏱️ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What robotic prostate cancer surgery actually involves
• The difference between open surgery vs. minimally invasive approaches
• Recovery timelines for continence and sexual function
• Why not all prostate cancers require surgery
• How surgeon experience impacts outcomes
• Questions every man should ask before choosing surgery
• Why early detection saves lives—especially for Black men

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Prostate cancer is not one disease—treatment should be individualized
• Robotic surgery dramatically reduces blood loss, pain, and recovery time
• Cancer control, urinary control, and sexual function are all achievable goals
• Education and honest conversations are critical to men’s health outcomes

📣 IMPORTANT REMINDERS ⚠️

This podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.

🔗 LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED

🌐 Visit: ifyouaremybrothers.org 🎧

🤝 Support the nonprofit mission of If You Are My Brothers

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