This is a guest opinion column

What happened to Defense Secretary General Lloyd Austin? I can name that tune in two notes: Prostate cancer. It is a concerning diagnosis and a complicated issue. I know because it happened to me.

This diagnosis, for one of our most distinguished members of military leadership no less, deserves empathy and serves as an important opportunity for education.

First, to understand this situation, you must understand that many men, especially Black men, all too often do not get the regular check-ups necessary to safeguard their health. Even when something is off, too many men put off seeking medical care.

In addition, many refuse treatment altogether because of a false stigma that addressing prostate cancer could lead them to suffer from erectile dysfunction or result in other sexual health issues. So, all too many rather risk leaving their prostate alone, and take a chance on living a long life, since prostate cancer grows slow.

My PSA was at a 7 some 15 years ago. My primary physician sent me to take a prostate exam. Sure enough I had prostate cancer. I settled on Laparoscopic surgery, non-evasive. A computer, using laser, removed my entire prostate: no loss of blood and no knife; and I went home the next day and never slowed down. Three weeks afterward I was in Europe on a Trade Mission. I did not experience any side effects.

General Lloyd Austin, from all indications, followed the path I took, had the procedure and went home probably the next day, if not the same day. He probably reckoned that there was no need to alert anyone because he acted and took care of what appeared to be a problem in one day. Lo and behold, some days later pain set in, and he checked himself in the hospital, days later alerting the President and his command staff of his prostate problem.

Hindsight is always 20/20. Should General Austin have alerted the President when he was diagnosed as having prostate problems, and that he was going in for treatment. I say yes. Is there a law requiring such? I doubt it. It is just common sense. Do we all use common sense every time? No!! Should he be impeached for failing to notify the President timely? I say no.

Rather than calling for Secretary Austin to be fired, we should use this as an opportunity to exercise the empathy too often missing in our national politics these days and educate men on their health. We could save countless lives – especially within our Black community which too often has worse health outcomes – if we took that opportunity. This is why I am taking this opportunity.

Men, get an annual physical, including a blood and urine test, which will show your PSA level. If it’s over 2, something is going on with your prostate and if it is caught in time, it can be corrected. Do not wait to treat and do not worry about any stigmas of treatment.

And, Mr. President, thank you for standing behind Secretary Austin, this honorable military leader.

Fred Richardson, a survivor of prostate cancer, served on the Mobile City Council for 25 years. He is an author, historian and community advocate.