Two-Time Prostate Cancer Survivor Lives For Tomorrow

Published on: November 11, 2025

Jesse Bennett smiles at a dinner table while wearing a tailored suit

Prostate cancer is something that has been on Baltimore resident Jesse Bennett’s radar since he was in his early 40’s. That was when Jesse first had a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level drawn, the blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. Over the next two decades, he routinely had his PSA levels checked and monitored. During that time, his PSA levels were consistent and averaged around 2.0.

In 2009 when Jesse was 62, his PSA result was higher than in previous years. As a next step, Jesse’s doctor recommended a prostate biopsy to determine if the change in his PSA level was from cancer or another problem. Results showed cancer cells were found and that the cancer was an aggressive type.

Due to the type of cancer cells collected during his biopsy, Jesse’s prostate cancer was given a Gleason score of 8 out of 10. Doctors use the Gleason score to “grade” prostate cancer based on what its cells look like under a microscope. The score helps predict how fast the cancer might grow or spread. Cancers like Jesse’s, with Gleason scores of 8 to 10, can be called “poorly differentiated” or “high-grade,” meaning they tend to grow and spread quickly.

Doctors recommended a radical prostatectomy – a surgery that removes the entire prostate. Because the tumor’s Gleason score was high at 8, doctors also advised Jesse to schedule the surgery as soon as possible. Thankfully, the surgery left no detectable sign of cancer and Jesse’s PSA level returned to normal and undetectable. His doctor did not recommend any radiation or chemotherapy.

“I breathed a sigh of relief,” Jesse said.

Another devastating diagnosis

For 13 years following his diagnosis in 2009, Jesse remained vigilant about getting regular follow-up exams and PSA testing. During that time, his PSA scores remained undetectable at less than 0.1.

Unfortunately, that changed in November 2020 when he had a routine follow-up PSA level drawn. Jesse was shocked to discover his PSA level had increased to 2.1.

“Prostate cancer was back, and numbers were rising,” he said.

With further testing, doctors also discovered Jesse’s cancer had spread to a lymph node in his lower back. This time, doctors recommended radiation to treat the lymph node and its surrounding area. Jesse was treated with five rounds of radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

“After treatment, my PSA returned to undetectable, less than .01, and remains undetectable today,” he said.

Jesse, now 78 years old, has a follow-up visit with his doctor every 4 months. During these visits, he has a PSA level done along with a physical exam.

“I wait with bated breath for the results,” he said.

Using his voice

Jesse has refused to let his prostate cancer journey bring him down. As a semi-retired educator, he teaches a community-engaged course at Johns Hopkins University called Africana Archive, Researching Black Cemeteries.

Jesse is an involved volunteer and advocate for the American Cancer Society, serving for the past 13 years on the committee for the annual Taste for Life fundraiser in Baltimore. He also regularly shares his story in television and newspaper interviews.

Jesse also uses his own experience to bring awareness to prostate cancer disparities. He is especially concerned with prostate cancer’s impact on Black men, who carry a disproportionate burden of prostate cancer in the U.S. New cases of prostate cancer are about 67% higher in Black men than in White men. And the prostate cancer death rate is two to three time higher in Black men than men in other racial and ethnic groups.

“My suggestion to all men, with or without a family history of prostate cancer, is know your PSA level or score. Have an annual PSA blood test, and track those scores each year,” he said.

“So many other men with prostate cancer tell me, ‘I did not feel anything. I forgot my PSA test results. I felt good,’” he said. "Do not ignore your numbers.”

As part of its prostate cancer screening guideline, the American Cancer Society recommends that men talk to their doctor about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the possible benefits, risks, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening. After talking with their doctor, men who want to be screened should get a PSA blood test. The discussion about screening should take place at:

Age 50 for men who are at average risk.

Age 45 for men at high risk , including Black men and men who have a father or brother who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before they turned 65.

Age 40 for men at even higher risk , including men with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before age 65.

“As a two-time prostate cancer survivor, I enjoy today as if it will be my last,” Jesse said. “I engage every man I meet about my journey, and how I am no longer afraid of tomorrow, because I have listened to modern science and engaged in available treatment opportunities.”

“As a two-time prostate cancer survivor, I enjoy today as if it will be my last. I engage every man I meet about my journey, and how I am no longer afraid of tomorrow, because I have listened to modern science and engaged in available treatment opportunities.”

Jesse Bennett