Los Angeles — Montell Jordan, the R&B icon behind the classic hit “This Is How We Do It,” is using his platform for a deeply personal cause: prostate cancer awareness. At 56, Jordan has revealed his ongoing battle with the disease, stressing that early detection can save lives—particularly in Black communities where the risks are higher.
The multi-talented artist, who transitioned from hitmaker to pastor and mentor, shared his diagnosis during an appearance on the Today Show and later clarified on TMZ that he is not yet cancer-free. His journey, marked by targeted radiation and hormone therapy, has now become a mission to break stigma and open dialogue.
A Voice for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Recently appointed Global Ambassador for ZERO Prostate Cancer, Jordan has made it his mission to spread awareness about the importance of early screenings.
“By putting this private journey into a public space, there are pros and cons,” he said. “Part of me being open takes away the stigma from getting tested. Early detection is the thing that not only helped save my life, but is saving my life.”
Statistics show the urgency of his message. Black men are nearly 70% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it if untreated. When detected early, however, it is 99% treatable and curable.
“Every man entering his 40s should demand blood work done,” Jordan urged. “If you don’t try and do something about it, it will try and do something to you.”
Chronicling His Battle on Film
Jordan is documenting his journey in real time through his upcoming documentary “Sustain,” which is expected to debut at film festivals in 2026. The film will trace his story from diagnosis in 2024 through multiple treatments and the emotional toll of recurrence.
“We’re documenting the entire process from diagnosis, through surgery after surgery, and now the re-emergence of more cancer. It’s been an outlet for me to share with my family and the world what that journey looks like,” he explained.
Beyond Music: A Life of Reinvention
While fans know him for timeless R&B, Jordan has never stopped reinventing himself. From Def Jam hitmaker to minister and now health advocate, he says a single theme ties it all together: vision.
“My life has been broken into music, ministry, marriage, and now medical. My music impacts people’s hearts, my ministry helps save souls, my marriage preserves family legacy, and my medical helps save lives,” he said.
And yes, he still listens to his old music. “I listen to my old songs a lot, I won’t even lie,” he admitted with a laugh. “I used to hide Easter eggs in my lyrics, like Disney movies. That was my way of keeping things interesting.”
Redefining Legacy
Jordan is also learning to separate his identity from his work. “We love our jobs, but our jobs can’t love us back,” he reflected. “Music can’t love me back. But my wife, my kids, my grandchildren, friendships, family, and the church can. What I do doesn’t define who I am, but who I am defines what I do.”
Despite the shift in focus, Jordan hasn’t given up on his first love—music. He still has one dream collaboration on his list: Stevie Wonder.
“I’ve been in spaces with him, I’ve performed with him, I’ve sung happy birthday to him, but we’ve never recorded a record together. That would be great if we could.”
A Call to Action
Through his transparency, Montell Jordan hopes to normalize conversations about prostate cancer among men—particularly Black men—and encourage life-saving screenings.
“Cancer is a coward and has to hide. It doesn’t fight fair or honorably,” he said. “But if we face it early, we can beat it.”
