Baltimore, M.D. — February 10, 2026 – In recognition of Black History Month, Dr. Arthur Burnett, a globally recognized urologist, researcher, and Professor of Urology and Oncology at Johns Hopkins University, appeared live on WJZ at 9 (CBS Baltimore) today to discuss the disproportionate impact of prostate cancer on Black men and the critical importance of early detection. With Black men facing the highest rates of prostate cancer and mortality, Dr. Burnett’s expert guidance on prevention, screening, and survivorship is especially timely this Black History Month.
Dr. Burnett is a Full Professor of Urology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Executive Officer of the International Society of Sexual Medicine, and a Board Member of the American Urological Association. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Hugh Hampton Young Award, recognizing his career accomplishments in urology.
WJZ at 9 is the 9 a.m. local news program on WJZ‑TV, the CBS‑affiliated television station in Baltimore, Maryland, delivering breaking news, health reporting, and community coverage to the Baltimore metropolitan area and Central Maryland. WJZ‑TV is one of the region’s most established broadcast stations, consistently reaching more than 100,000 households in key local newscasts and serving as a trusted source of information across the market.
During the on-air conversation, Dr. Burnett emphasized the stark realities facing Black men nationwide, stating,
“Black men have about a 60% higher rate of acquiring prostate cancer, and what’s most disturbing is about a two-and-a-half-fold higher mortality rate.” Dr. Burnett said.
Dr. Burnett underscored that awareness and proactive screening can be lifesaving, particularly because prostate cancer often presents with no early symptoms.
“This is a treatable cancer if caught early,” Dr. Burnett said, urging men and their families to prioritize conversations around screening and preventive care.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Burnett addressed common stigmas surrounding men’s health, encouraging open dialogue and community-wide involvement. He highlighted that partners, spouses, daughters, and caregivers often play a vital role in motivating men to seek medical evaluation.
Dr. Burnett also noted that Black men should begin conversations about prostate cancer screening as early as age 40, starting with a PSA blood test through a primary care physician.
The appearance aligns with Dr. Burnett’s ongoing advocacy work focused on health equity, education, and improving outcomes for underserved communities through research, mentorship, and public engagement.
About Dr. Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II
Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, MD, MBA, FACS, is a trailblazing and globally recognized urologist, educator, and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, where he has served for more than 40 years as the Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology and Director of the Male Consultation Clinic. Celebrated as the first Black professor of urology at Johns Hopkins and past president of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Dr. Burnett pioneered research that made Viagra possible, performed thousands of prostate and urologic surgeries, and authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and three books — The Manhood Rx, Johns Hopkins Patient’s Guide to Prostate Cancer, and Prostate Cancer Survivors Speak Their Minds. He is also founder of UroMissionsWorks, a nonprofit expanding urologic care worldwide, and a decorated U.S. Army veteran.
Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, MD, MBA, FACS, is a trailblazing and globally recognized urologist, educator, and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, where he has served for more than 40 years as the Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology and Director of the Male Consultation Clinic. Celebrated as the first Black professor of urology at Johns Hopkins and past president of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Dr. Burnett pioneered research that made Viagra possible, performed thousands of prostate and urologic surgeries, and authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and three books — The Manhood Rx, Johns Hopkins Patient’s Guide to Prostate Cancer, and Prostate Cancer Survivors Speak Their Minds. He is also founder of UroMissionsWorks, a nonprofit expanding urologic care worldwide, and a decorated U.S. Army veteran.