Memphis man’s prostate cancer story aims to save lives

by: Quametra Wilborn

Posted: Apr 25, 2026 / 01:14 PM CDT

Updated: Apr 26, 2026 / 11:49 AM CDT

Photo -  Free prostate cancer screening event in Memphis (WREG’s Quametra Wilborn) 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One Memphis man says his world stopped when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer—also known as the silent killer—back in 2017. Years later, he’s using his story to raise awareness and help save lives.

‘You have cancer’ are devastating words for anyone to hear.

However, Kenneth Carpenter Sr. is a survivor.

He says in 2017, his life changed forever after he went to the doctor for his annual physical.

He says he was informed that his PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, levels were elevated. Carpenter was later diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“Any man that has to hear those words, it’s very difficult, and we have to first process it,” said Carpenter, President of Prostate Education Awareness Council.

According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. 

Doctors say it is more likely to develop in men who are 65 or older, and the risk is higher in Black men.

While undergoing treatments, Carpenter realized others could benefit from his story.

He and his wife, Dr. Terrell Carpenter, own Carpenter Primary Healthcare in Whitehaven.

“A normal PSA is 0 to 4. So, anything over 4 we have to have a conversation in terms of possibly referring you to a urologist,” said Dr. Carpenter.

She says that due to the stigma surrounding prostate cancer, a lot of men were not comfortable having the conversation with her.

So, she would call her husband to share his experience with patients.

“When you talk about what goes behind that in terms of treatment, you’ve got to know whether or not you’re going to have incontinence, erectile dysfunction. Whether you’re going to have any drawbacks from it that’s usually going to affect you for the rest of your life,” he shared.

That’s when the couple decided there needed to be more conversation about prostate cancer.

They founded the Prostate Education Awareness Council to raise awareness about prostate cancer and encourage men to get tested.

“Men need to know there are no warning signs,” he explained.

Saturday morning, they hosted an event at the Bert Ferguson Community Center for men 40 and older to get free PSA and testosterone screenings.

Man2Man Prostate Cancer Support Group is one of the many organizations that came out to raise awareness about the disease.

“Because of the lack of conversation, prostate cancer is known as the silent killer,” explained Clarence Williamson. “It’s just like any other cancer. It can be treated. If it’s found early, it can be cured.”

The Carpenters say they want to change the narrative about prostate cancer and encourage more men to get tested before it’s too late.

The Greater Memphis Chamber was the ideal location for Prostate Education Awareness Council - PEAC to roll out its 2026 Agenda. Our activities will put us in touch with men and their families despite their socioeconomic background. Our goal is to reach as many zip codes as possible throughout Shelby County in an effort to Educate Test and  Advocate for prostate awareness. Our ask from you!!

*Test sites (Churches, Community Centers)
*Donations to continue free testing
*Opportunities to speak to your organization
We’re aware men that don’t like going to the doctor so we’re bringing it to you in safe environment with professional reliable testing company with Quest Diagnostics. Special thanks to Howard Robertson and Beverly Cato Robertson for securing the Chamber and assistance in elevating PEAC in the community and our volunteers for taking their time to make all of this possible.

#TestingSavesLives
#SupportFreeTesting
#asimplebloodtestisallittakes