Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings shared during National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month that he was diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer earlier this year. After talking with his doctors about treatment options, he chose surgery to remove his prostate. He said he is grateful for the medical care he received, the support of his family and the chance to continue serving the community.
The mayor said the main lesson from his experience is that early detection matters. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and for African American men the risk is one in four. Because the disease often develops without noticeable symptoms until it has progressed, he encouraged men to talk with their doctors about personal risk factors and when screening is appropriate.
Demings also encouraged spouses, children, siblings and friends to prompt the men in their lives to have that conversation. He credited his wife, Val, with standing beside him throughout. Eligible residents can learn more about the Orange County Medical Clinic and the Primary Care Access Network, which connects uninsured and underinsured residents with affordable primary care services.
Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom:
https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/09/know-your-numbers-why-im-sharing-my-prostate-cancer-journey/
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