If you recognize the defiant chords of the “We’re Not Gonna Take It song,” then you’re familiar with a part of my life’s work. I’m Jay Jay French, the guitarist and a founding member of Twisted Sister. Our band unleashed this anthem upon the 1980s, and it resonated as a shout of rebellion across the airwaves. But for me, the meaning of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” has deepened over time. Today, it’s a personal declaration in my fight against prostate cancer, a disease that has touched my family deeply.
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” hit the charts in 1984, a year etched with sorrow as it was also the year my father passed away at the age of 74. While his immediate cause of death was a heart attack in the hospital, a subsequent autopsy revealed a hidden adversary: prostate cancer. Undiagnosed, it had silently spread, metastasizing throughout his bones. This revelation became a stark wake-up call for my brother and me, igniting a lifelong commitment to vigilance and early detection. We spoke openly and frequently about the necessity of regular check-ups, driven by the vivid image of what prostate cancer had done to our father. This proactive approach proved to be life-saving. Our fears materialized when my brother received his prostate cancer diagnosis at 66. A decade later, the same age of 66 marked my own diagnosis.
Initially, I navigated my diagnosis privately. Accepting it was a process, a personal journey of understanding and adjustment. However, as I processed the reality, I felt a compelling shift from patient to advocate. Sharing my story became a powerful tool to educate my circle – friends, family, and even fans worldwide. This path of advocacy led me to collaborate with ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer, and Bayer, amplifying my reach to countless more men. For those seeking unfiltered conversations about prostate cancer, I invite you to listen to my podcast series, aptly titled “We’re Not Gonna Take It!“. In these podcasts, ZERO’s CEO & President, Jamie Bearse, and I delve into the spectrum of prostate cancer experiences, from exploring diverse treatment options to addressing sensitive topics like the impact on intimacy and relationships. We aimed for candid discussions about how this disease profoundly affects men, their partners, and their families.
My brother and I stand today as prostate cancer survivors. I firmly believe that early screening was the cornerstone of our survival. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is more than a song; it’s a declaration of resilience, a fight song. Therefore, I urge you to adopt this fighting spirit when it comes to your health. Be proactive. Understand your personal risk factors, be aware of your family health history, and remember, you are not navigating this journey in isolation.
Discover more about the We’re Not Gonna Take It campaign, a vital initiative made possible through the partnership with Bayer.
Access all three episodes of Jay Jay French’s “Prostate Cancer Uncensored’ podcasts at zerocancer.org/podcasts. You can also find episodes on various platforms including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, PlayerFM, Pocket Casts, Spotify, PodBean, RadioPublic, and numerous others.
