"To the Men I Love": Trinity Health Volunteer Champions Prostate Cancer Screening

Thirkield Marbury, a 75-year-old from Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, isn't your average retiree. Every Thursday, you’ll find him volunteering in the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Cancer Center. This former tractor-trailer mechanic, hobby photographer and co-owner of a beauty supply store spends his days giving back to his community by advocating for a cause close to his heart: men's health, particularly prostate cancer screenings. 

Decades ago, Thirkield read a magazine article highlighting the prevalence and increased severity of prostate cancer among Black men. He saw himself reflected in those numbers and took the statistics to heart, prompting him to start getting annual prostate cancer screenings. Though relatively young, in his forties at the time, he committed to being proactive about his health. That decision paid off years later when Thirkield received life-changing news just before Christmas 2015. 

That fall, he attended the annual Men's Health Event at Ford Field, where free health screenings are offered to attendees. A blood test during the event revealed that Thirkield’s Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels had doubled in less than a year, a potential indicator of prostate cancer. Because Thirkield had faithfully gotten annual screenings, he immediately recognized the significant jump his PSA levels – and what that could mean. A follow-up biopsy confirmed he had prostate cancer.

Working with a care team affiliated with a local health system outside of Trinity Health, Thirkield chose to undergo surgery to remove the cancer, which was successful in large part because it had been detected early, before it could grow and spread. 

His journey ignited a passion within Thirkield, who has been cancer-free since 2016.

"A lot of guys don't go to the doctor," he explains. "They have this macho mentality. We’re invincible. That’s the mindset – and we need to get beyond that." Thirkield began reaching out the men in his family and social circle, stressing the importance of early detection and urging them to get checked. 

He’s since expanded his reach beyond family and friends, presenting at his church, health fairs and other events to address myths about screening and encourage men to know their numbers. "It's important to get these screenings," he emphasizes. "Not only your prostate, but your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. I don’t want anybody to get sick just because they didn’t get their screening– something so simple to do.”

Thirkield's advocacy goes beyond dispelling myths about the test itself. He understands the historical distrust that some Black men have toward the medical community can be a barrier to seeking life-saving screenings and he fights to overcome that challenge. "There are concerns, given our past history," he acknowledges. However, Thirkield emphasizes the importance of good doctors. "There are good, dedicated people who want to help," he says, "and I try to give voice to that, to those in my life and in my community that I may have influence with."

Thirkield stresses the importance of having a primary care physician, especially for members of the Black community.

"If you are afraid to go to your doctor, go to an event like the Men’s Health Event at Ford Field and get your basic lab work done for free," Thirkield advises.

Fueled by his desire to give back, Thirkield frequently volunteers with the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor and at the annual Men's Health Event held at Ford Field. He also serves on the patient advisory board at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, in addition to his volunteer hours in the hospital Cancer Center. He is tireless in his mission to support those fighting cancer as well as those who may be resistant to cancer screening.

Thirkield's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. The positive feedback from family and friends motivates him. He regularly sends text blasts “to the men I love”, reminding his loved ones to get screened. "I tell the men I love that I'm cancer-free and that it's because of early detection," he says proudly.

His story is a powerful testament to the importance of early detection and advocacy. Thirkield’s message is simple: prioritize your health, not just for yourself, but for your loved ones. Being cancer-free has allowed Thirkield the gift of time with his growing family, including six adult children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Prostate cancer screening is an important part of a preventative care routine. Ask your primary care provider about screening recommendations based on your age and risk level. Find a Trinity Health provider near you today.