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Get informed!
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Get screened!
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Get healthy!
Bin Mclaurin awoke one morning to a phone call from his doctor saying “You have prostate cancer!” These words can be devastating to hear and 1 in 9 men will hear them as Bin did, in their lifetime. The numbers are even higher for men of color.
This diagnosis changed Bin’s life forever.
At the time, I was a research assistant at the Heart Institute of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and part of my job was to travel across Los Angeles, encouraging men to take part in a study aimed at lowering blood pressure. I realized that I should take my own advice and get a long overdue physical. That appointment saved my life.
The disease was caught in an early stage. Now, after surgery, radiation and hormone therapy, I can gratefully say I am cancer free!
Over the last four years, I have learned just how important it is for men to pay attention to their health. Unfortunately, many men don’t feel the need to get regular health screenings. They miss the opportunity to address illnesses early, leading to higher mortality rates from heart disease, stroke and cancer.
My experience inspired me to become a men’s health advocate, working to improve men’s health awareness and outcomes. I created M.A.C.H.O., Men Actively Creating Healthy Outcomes, to inspire men to be proactive with getting regular health check ups and cancer screenings, and to support men who are impacted by cancer. M.A.C.H.O also supports incredible physicians conducting research and community health outreach.
BIN MCLAURIN
Thank you for your dedication and efforts in urging men, and particularly men of color, to partake in cancer screenings and other preventative health measures. Your indomitable spirit following your bout with cancer and your devotion to educating our youth and promoting health awareness is commendable.
On behalf of the constituency of the 30th District of the State of California, acknowledgment is merited and hereby rendered with sincere congratulations.
August 15, 2018
Senator Holly J. Mitchell
After learning of a male friends cancer and hearing how early detection saved his life, it became crystal clear to me how important an annual check-up is. I gladly take this pledge!
Having two people close to me recently battle cancer really put things in perspective. Take the pledge! Getting checked is the best thing you can do for yourself and those who love you.
Men seeking help should never be seen as weak. Change perspective and speak up for your health. We are M.A.C.H.O.!
Early detection saved my life when I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer. I take the pledge to continue improving my health through regular check up’s.Gandhi said: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”
Edwin M. Posadas, MD, FACP, is Director of the Translational Oncology Program and the Medical Director of the Urologic Oncology Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has both clinical and research interests in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and the biology of cancer metastasis. Posadas is studying the mechanisms through which cancer cells in localized tumors spread to other parts of the body. A protein called FYN, a member of a cancer-causing gene family, was identified in his laboratory as a possible regulator of metastasis and the neuroendocrine phenotype of prostate cancer. Additionally, his laboratory has been studying the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and immune cells (ICs) as biomarkers in prostate and other cancers using novel nanotechnology platforms. His current research interests focus on the most aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer that spread to organs such as the liver and lungs. At Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Posadas is working to define the function of FYN, CTCs, and ICs in prostate cancer, with the goal of applying his basic science findings to the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools that will directly benefit men with advanced prostate cancer. Clinically, he specializes in the use of medical therapies for prostate, kidney, bladder, and testis cancer with an emphasis on integrated, trans-disciplinary care.
Cedar-Sinai’s Dr. Arash Asher leads an emerging movement in cancer care. As director of Cancer Survivorship and Rehabilitation at The Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, he runs a dynamic clinic for patients and survivors.
“Americans afflicted with this disease are living longer than ever and their outlook continues to improve,” says Dr. Asher. Cancer survivors have tripled over the past 30 years, now numbering 12 million.
Dr. Asher’s clinic supports patients and survivors facing a wide range of challenges such as fatigue, weakness, changes in thinking, and pain. “I speak for everyone on our multidisciplinary staff when I say we are committed to helping our patients live life to the fullest,” he says.
In pursuit of that goal, Dr. Asher has integrated a number of innovative cancer rehabilitation programs, including art therapy, personalized exercise regimes, and novel cognitive rehabilitation for “chemobrain.”
This video details information that both men and women can benefit from.
Bin, a recent prostate cancer survivor, was honored at The LA Rams football. In honor of prostate awareness month, he was the coin toss captain.
You too can survive and thrive!
Did you know black African American men are more likely to die from heart disease? That 3.7 million African Americans 20 or older have diabetes? And one in four African American men will get prostate cancer?
Black men should know the information that is helpful for when to get screened and which health issues are most vital. Learn what info you need to make healthy choices for healthy outcomes. Here’s a checklist for black men.
If you want more helpful health information, see A Good Health Guide for African-American Men at Different Stages and 7 deadly diseases that affect Black men most.
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
During the month of June The 100 Black Men of Los Angeles will be promoting Men’s Health Month by inviting young men of color to write essays. Bin McLaurin is the financial sponsor the scholarships and his message is below.
These are the winners of the 2018 Men's Health Scholarship Essay Recipients
As an African American man, Bin too suffered from prostate cancer. Thankfully, after 4 years of cancer treatment and recovery, Bin is now cancer free. He is paying it forward and helping to spread the message of how important men’s health awareness is to our community.
Bin is the sponsor of the five $500 Men’s Health Essay Scholarships to young men of color from Los Angeles, CA. Our African American men’s health issues are at a crisis level because of the prevalence of illnesses and disease like hypertension, diabetes and prostate cancer.
The 100 Black Men of Los Angeles partnered with Bin to sponsor additional essay scholarships for other young men as well. Two Men’s Health Essay Scholarships were awarded to two of the young men from California Boy’s State. These partnerships will continue in future years.
Urology Learn More
Colorectal Surgery and Specialist in Hemorrhoid Treatment Learn More
Director, Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Learn More
Medical Director, Urologic Oncology Program Learn More
Director, Academic Urology Program Learn More
Prostate Cancer
- 101.6 out of 100,000 men
- First among men of all races and Hispanic origin populations.
- Second leading cause of death among white, black, and Hispanic men.
- Third among Native American men. Fourth among Asian/Pacific Islander men.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that forms in one of the testicles and is the most common cancer in younger men aged between 15 and 34 years. Treatment does not normally affect a man’s erectile function or masculinity, making testicular cancer one of the most curable of all internal cancers if diagnosed early.
Colorectal Cancer
- 44.2 out of 100,000 men
- Second among Hispanic* men. Third among white, black,American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander men.
- Second leading cause of death among white, black, and Hispanic men.
- Third among American Indian/Alaska
Lung Cancer
- 69.8 out of 100,000 men
- Second among white, black, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander men. Third among Hispanic* men.
- Leading Cause of Death among men of all races and Hispanic* origin populations.
Here is a cheat sheet to help manage cancer screenings. These screenings reflect some of the cancers that most often affect men. Download and take to your next Doctor’s appointment.
1.Exercise regularly
30 minutes, five days a week can help you lower your risk of serious injury and improves your mood
2.Schedule preventive checkups
Early detection can help save your life!
3.Don’t smoke
Smoking can lead to heart disease, stroke and even death.
4.Eat at least 2cups of fruit and 3cups of vegetables daily
Generally low in calories, these foods also supply vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help you stay in health and avoid potentially serious, chronic diseases.
5.Stay hydrated
Health authorities recommend drinking eight, 8oz glasses of water daily, which equals about half a gallon.
6.Maintain a healthy weight
According to the CDC, people who are obese are at a higher risk for many serious diseases and health conditions.
7.Get regular cancer screenings
Again, early detection can save your life!
Lastly, to all of you fighting cancer or caring for someone who is fighting this battle, I encourage you to take steps to stay as healthy as you can during treatment. For more information, visit CDC’s Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients Web site for staying healthy during cancer treatment and 3 Steps Toward Preventing Infections During Cancer Treatment from the CDC Foundation.
You’re invited:
Men’s Monthly Cancer Support Breakfast
What: Socialize with supportive peers over breakfast
When: The 4th Monday of every month, 9-10 AM
Where: Cedars-Sinai Rehabilitation Gym, North Tower, Room 7215
Cost: Free
Tour: The new Wellness, Resilience and Survivorship program
Available: Information on cancer support resources
RSVP: Email Bin Mclaurin at bin.mclaurin@cshs.org
phone: 310 248-7986
Hope to see you there!
