Funky Dineva reveals prostate cancer diagnosis, cancels talk show, ‘Early detection is key’

Quentin Latham, better known as Funky Dineva, is taking a transparent approach to his health journey after announcing his stage 1 prostate cancer diagnosis.

The popular pop culture commentator shared the news on Instagram on November 25 via a video on Threads, explaining that after twelve biopsies, his urologist confirmed that he is in the early stages of prostate cancer.

“Early detection is key!! Make sure all the guys in your life are keeping up with their blood work and exams!” he captioned the post.

“I share this information for educational purposes and not out of compassion,” Funky Dineva stated in the video. “I have stage 1 prostate cancer. They did 12 biopsies and two of them came back cancerous, one of them came back suspicious or inconclusive.”

Although the news was difficult to share, Funky Dineva noted a positive outcome: the cancer was detected early, giving him a good chance of preventing further spread.

“It’s very, very early. He said something about a Gleason score and that mine was really, really low.”

Funky Dineva said he underwent blood work for genetic testing to determine whether the cancer is growing slowly or quickly. He also discussed treatment options such as radiation, experimental medications and “robotic surgery,” which he told his doctor he would undergo sooner rather than later.

“I have an appointment with the robot doctor on December 8 to have it removed.”

Funky Dineva posted a photo of the pamphlet he received to learn more about his diagnosis, noting that he plans to review it closely. He concluded his message by telling fans, “Don’t cry for me, Argentina,” assuring them that he will be fine, even if the news is difficult to process.

“I’m about to take a nap, and I’ll be fine,” he said.

However, just hours after revealing his diagnosis, Funky Dineva shared another update on Threads, announcing that his beloved YouTube talk show has been canceled as he navigates his health battle.

“After being diagnosed with prostate cancer today, I don’t have it in me to look at all of you and babble about a bunch of nonsense that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of life,” he wrote. “I’m in my room, in the dark, under the covers. I’m depressed, but I’m also doing well. I’m giving myself permission to go through the process. Because right now I have to be completely in the dark. Thank you for your understanding.”

Research shows that black men are disproportionately affected high rates of prostate cancer, with almost double the incidence and 2.3 times the mortality rate of white men. They are often diagnosed younger, with more aggressive disease and in later stages, leading to fewer treatment options and higher mortality rates.

Despite these challenges, Funky Dineva’s supporters flooded his comments with encouragement and shared stories of family members of different ages who have successfully defeated prostate cancer thanks to early detection.

“It’s shocking news, but very treatable friend,” they wrote. “My ex-husband was diagnosed at age 35! Had it removed and is cancer free and yes it worked again hence we are no longer married. Same goes for my brother-in-law who was diagnosed three years ago. He is now cancer free. Stick to your feelings BUT then act like you know you are not walking alone.”

“My 80 year old father was diagnosed a year ago. He completed his treatment and he is now cancer free. God is a healer,” someone else added.

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