When many people hear the words clinical trials, history, and mistrust come to mind. But at the same time, diseases like prostate cancer continue to impact men every day — and research remains one of the most powerful tools we have to improve outcomes. In this important conversation, host Reggie Hicks — prostate cancer survivor and founder of If You Are My Brothers — is joined by Dr. Monica Webb Hooper, Acting Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Together, they explore the legacy of medical mistrust, modern research protections, and why participation in clinical trials is essential — especially for Black men facing higher rates of prostate cancer.

🔎 In This Episode

✔ How the Tuskegee Study still influences perceptions of medical research

✔ Common misconceptions about clinical trials (including placebo concerns)

✔ Why underrepresentation in prostate cancer research persists

✔ The importance of asking questions and being your own health advocate ✔ What “informed consent” really means today

✔ The role of trust, transparency, and community engagement in rebuilding confidence

✔ How to find clinical trials in your area

✔ Why research participation is not just a “last resort.”

✔ The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis — and why bringing someone to appointments matters

💬 Key Takeaways

• Modern clinical trials are tightly regulated and monitored for safety.
• Participants are never left without a standard of care in cancer treatment trials.
• Underrepresentation is often about access and invitation, not simply hesitation.
• Trust must be earned through transparency and community engagement.
• Black men do participate in research — and their involvement is essential to advancing equitable care.
• Clinical trials power medical progress for future generations.

📌 For more information about clinical trials and helpful resources, visit:

https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/what-are-clinical-trials

https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search

or call 1-800-4-CANCER

Learn more about the work conducted and led by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities www.nimhd.gov

💙 A Personal Note from Reggie Reggie shares an update on his own prostate cancer journey, including recent PSA results and reflections on the anxiety many men experience while waiting for test results. His message is clear: Know your PSA. Ask questions. Don’t go through it alone.

🎯 Call to Action -If this episode helped you, share it with a brother, father, son, friend, or colleague.

-Visit www.IfYouAreMyBrothers.org to learn more about the documentary, community engagement efforts, and ways to support the mission.

🔔 Reminder: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health decisions.

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

📌 Subscribe and share this Black History Month special

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