Reality TV star and celebrity hairstylist Dwight Eubanks, widely recognized for his appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year at the age of 64. In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE magazine, Eubanks discussed the shock he felt upon learning of the diagnosis, particularly since he had been feeling healthy and had not shown any noticeable symptoms of the disease. His story highlights not only the unpredictability of prostate cancer but also the vital importance of regular medical screenings, even when individuals feel well.
Eubanks’s diagnosis came as a complete surprise. Despite a family history of prostate cancer—his grandfather tragically passed away from the illness—he believed that his risk was low. What makes his diagnosis even more unsettling is the fact that routine bloodwork conducted in 2022 had shown elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, a key indicator for prostate cancer. However, the results went unaddressed by his physician, which Eubanks now describes as a major oversight, especially given his lifelong commitment to maintaining regular health check-ups.
A longtime advocate for health awareness, Eubanks has lived with HIV since the 1980s, which has kept him in close contact with medical professionals over the years. His proactive health management made the failure to follow up on his PSA test results all the more difficult to accept. “I’ve always stayed on top of my health, so this caught me completely off guard,” Eubanks shared in his interview. “It was a huge shock to hear that I had cancer, especially when I hadn’t felt sick.”
As a public figure, Eubanks’s diagnosis brings important attention to the broader issue of prostate cancer, particularly in the Black community. African American men are known to face disproportionately higher rates of prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality compared to other groups, a disparity that has persisted for decades. The reasons behind these higher risks are multifactorial, with genetics, lifestyle, and access to healthcare all playing a role. However, increased awareness and early detection through regular screening are critical steps in improving survival rates.
In response to his own experience, Eubanks has become a vocal advocate for prostate cancer awareness, particularly during Men’s Health Month. He has partnered with ZERO Prostate Cancer, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer and funding research for better treatments and a potential cure. The collaboration is aimed at encouraging Black men, in particular, to take proactive steps toward their health by getting screened for prostate cancer.
“I’m not going to remain silent like my grandfather did,” Eubanks remarked, stressing the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding men’s health, especially among African American men. Many men, particularly in communities of color, are hesitant to get screened due to fear, misinformation, or a reluctance to discuss their health openly. Eubanks’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for these conversations, which can ultimately save lives.
In addition to his advocacy work, Eubanks is currently focusing on his treatment options, working closely with a team of medical professionals to determine the best course of action. While his diagnosis has undoubtedly been a difficult challenge, Eubanks remains optimistic about his prognosis. He is determined not only to fight the disease but also to use his platform to inspire others to take control of their health and prioritize screenings.
“I want people to understand that this is something we can fight together,” Eubanks emphasized. “Prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence if it’s caught early. My goal is to share my journey so others don’t have to go through what I did—feeling blindsided by a diagnosis they weren’t prepared for.”
Eubanks’s message is clear: early detection, regular screenings, and open conversations about health are essential for fighting prostate cancer, especially in high-risk populations. As a public figure, he hopes his story will encourage others to be proactive in their healthcare and not ignore the signs or dismiss the importance of routine check-ups.
His commitment to raising awareness comes at a critical time, as healthcare providers and organizations like ZERO Prostate Cancer continue to push for more education and resources aimed at reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Black men and other underserved communities. By sharing his personal journey, Eubanks is making a powerful impact in the ongoing fight against this disease.
As he continues his treatment and advocacy efforts, Eubanks remains hopeful for the future. His story serves as an important reminder that even those who seem the healthiest on the outside are not immune to serious health challenges. The key to overcoming such challenges lies in early detection, persistence, and the willingness to face one’s health with openness and courage.
Eubanks is an example of how to take control of one’s health in the face of adversity and how to turn a personal struggle into a powerful message of hope and empowerment for others.