Reality TV star Dwight Eubanks revealed to PEOPLE that he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer earlier this year. “Of course I freaked out,” the 64-year-old hairstylist and salon owner told the outlet.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta veteran shares the same stage 4 cancer diagnosis as former President Joe Biden.
Stage 4 means the cancer has spread from the original site to another body part.
Eubanks has a family history of cancer. 30 years ago his grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Eubanks was told that his cancer came from his mother’s side of the family.
“So I’m thinking that I’m good,” he tells PEOPLE. “I was confident that I was Superman. I was cleared. I was going to be okay and I just never thought about it.”
After having blood work done at a church health fair in January, his doctor called and told him to come in as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it was bad news. Eubanks was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.
“I was shocked. I was angry. I was just emotionally a wreck,” he told PEOPLE. “When you hear the word cancer, you freak out. I’m human. Society has told us that cancer was just devastating and, you know, you just have days to live. So of course I freaked out and I think I’m still freaked out.”
Eubanks is now a brand ambassador for ZERO Prostate Cancer, encouraging other men to get screened for prostate cancer.
One in 6 black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
“A prostate cancer diagnosis is crushing but I’m grateful to still be in this fight and use my platform to help others impacted by this disease,” said Eubanks. “It is critical that men — especially Black men who are disproportionately diagnosed with prostate cancer — become their own health advocates and push for information, screenings, and lifesaving care. I am deeply thankful for ZERO’s support and partnership and I hope by sharing my story I will help to save more lives.”
