We all know that it takes a lot to get most men to tell you that something is wrong with their health, let alone go to a hospital. Most men shrug off pain, discomfort, and changes in their bodies as “growing pains” and usually “push through” which most times make it worse.
This year, rapper, producer and recent Harvard graduate Swizz Beatz decided to his health and men’s health seriously by going to the doctor to check for colon cancer. His inspiration to do this came from his friend, mentor and fellow producer Jay “Icepick” Jackson.
“Your health is your wealth 🙏🏽 I wanted to start off 2018 by keeping the promise I made to my brother the late great Jay Icepick Jackson,” explains Swizz on his Instagram. “Before he passed, he urged that we all spread the word about how important our health is. As men, we always think we’re invincible! If that were the case, a great Man and many other great men would still be on this earth.”
Producer Jay “Icepick” Jackson passed away from cancer.
Jackson has a list of credits as an executive producer, most notably on DMX’s 2003 Grand Champ, Jadakiss’ 2004 Kiss of Death and Eve’s 2002 Eve-Olution. He was listed as the associate producer and A&R for The LOX’s comeback album Filthy America…It’s Beautiful.
“Today I did a colonoscopy, which many men refuse to do until it’s too late,” said Swizz. “It only took two days for the entire process and thank God I’m okay. I wasn’t going to share this, but I promised my brother I would spread the word to prevent others from going through what he did Blessings to all. Your health is your wealth… F@ck Cancer…. #jayicepickjackson #icepicjayforever”
African Americans have the highest rates of colon cancer (also known as colorectal cancer). We face a 20 percent higher risk of developing colon cancer and a 45 percent higher mortality rate than any other race. That’s right; we die at 45% higher than any other race. Although this disease is the third cause of cancer-related deaths in the Black community, it’s highly preventable. BlackDoctor.org spoke with several medical professionals to see what can be done to lower the risk of colon cancer.
Dr. Strick Woods, a gastroenterologist based in Bridgeport, CT, says that screening is the first step towards Black men lowering their risk. The American College of Gastroenterologists recommends Black men be screened starting at age 45 – five years earlier than whites. The reason? Colon cancer is often diagnosed in African Americans at a younger age. Dr. Woods says the current compliance rate for colonoscopies is at a mere 38 percent. African American have a notably low screening rate which puts us at adverse risk of developing colon cancer.
