From Serving Leaders to Saving Lives: A Retired Colonel’s 23-Year Mission Against Prostate Cancer
To many people, Dr. Artie Shelton is many things, a friend, advocate, and a leader. Artie is a U.S. Army Colonel (Retired) who traveled the world alongside many distinguished leaders, including General Colin Powell and the late legendary civil rights activist, Congressman John Lewis. Despite these experiences, he remains a humble man of distinction in his own right. To us at PHEN, he is a 23-year prostate cancer survivor and an ambassador who tirelessly and unselfishly shares his message. Although the subject of prostate cancer can sometimes be difficult and vulnerable to discuss, he continues to speak about it with honesty and courage.
Q. When you were first diagnosed, what was going through your mind at that moment?
“I was shocked! Without a mandated medical evaluation and PSA blood test, I may not have discovered my diagnosis until symptoms appeared.” Because he is a Black man with a family history of the disease, his doctor recommended the test as being in his best interest. “I had watched a close relative battle prostate cancer and saw the lasting impact it had on his life, so when I received my own diagnosis, it hit home.”
Q. How did your family, friends, or faith help you through the process?
“I questioned God, asking, ‘Why me?’”
A man of faith, he turned to his beliefs for guidance and strength. Through his journey, and eventually becoming a PHEN Ambassador, he realized he was meant to be a messenger.
“Attending the inaugural Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit in 2005, I met Tom Farrington, founder and president of the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN), a 26-year prostate cancer survivor. I credit that summit with introducing me to a role as a PHEN Ambassador.”
Artie holds true to the notion that having someone walk with you on this journey matters. At community events, he advocates for greater prostate cancer support and awareness, imploring partners and families to accompany patients on medical visits. We’d be doing a disservice not to mention Clarice Greene, a long time PHEN Advocate, supporting both Artie and PHEN. She earned PHEN’s first President’s Award at last September’s 21st Annual African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit. Like Artie, she continues to advance PHEN’s mission by engaging with patients and caregivers at screenings and community events.
Q. What would you say to men who are avoiding PSA testing or doctor visits?
“Man up! It’s just a blood test. It takes so little time.”
Artie knows firsthand the importance of early detection.
“I’ve witnessed a great deal throughout my life and career, including death. That’s why I’m committed to protecting men from prostate cancer. Encouraging men to get tested empowers them to take charge of their health and be there for their families.”
Q. What message do you hope men take away when they hear your story?
“If I could leave men with one message, it would be this: Get tested. Know your PSA. A simple screening could save your life.”
Having served in the military, he carried out many missions. He was forced to show courage on the battlefield during moments he will never forget and will carry with him forever. During his battle with prostate cancer, however, he discovered a different kind of courage, one rooted in faith and vulnerability.
Today, he carries the weight of words, sharing messages he hopes continue to make an impact each day. One thing is certain, he has touched many lives, though he may never fully know the true impact of the countless conversations, encouragement, and hours he has shared with fellow brothers and patients.