“I have prostate cancer.”

Those four words are hard to say and are devastating for friends and family to hear from a loved one. But Mark Hunter is saying them. As one of the most visible and philanthropic leaders of South Florida’s LGBTQ community, he’s going public with his fight.

Hunter says he has malignant, stage four prostate cancer which has begun spreading through his body, including the bones and possibly his kidneys. He posted the news on social media in hopes it would remind and encourage others to get tested and get treatment.

“I'm not a doctor, but I do know this … as with most cancers, early detection is a key. I would encourage anyone that has a prostate to see your doctor and have it checked every year by the way of a digital/rectal exam in concert with tests for your PSA levels.”

Hunter is the long-time owner of Hunters Nightclub in Wilton Manors. He recently received the Pride Center at Equality Park's Alan Schubert award at the eighth annual Diversity Honors. He was also named OutSFL's Best Business Owner in its inaugural Your Choice Awards last year. 

“There’s no one that fights for our community more than this man,” his friend, FayWhat?!, said. “I love Mark Hunter personally. I’m a cancer survivor and I know this sucks. I don’t want him to have to go through this. But if anyone can fight this tooth and nail, it will be Mark.”

Hunter is equally upbeat. 

“This diagnosis is not a death sentence. I am very optimistic. There is a 97% survival rate for the first five years and about the same at 10 years. Also, prostate cancer grows slowly.”

Prostate cancer feeds on testosterone, so in an effort to “starve” the cancer, his first will be a blocker named Lupron.

If that doesn’t work, removal of the testosterone-producing part of the testicle or complete castration could be next.

Those treatments are specific to this type of cancer. If those solutions don’t work, doctors will explore radiation and then chemotherapy.

Hunter ends his post on an upbeat note. 

“My doctor said to live my life like I normally would, so, here's to life!”