Black Men with Prostate Cancer Fare Worse

the Renal and Urology News take:

African American men have higher risks of prostate cancer and twice the odds of dying from it, according to Durado Brooks, MD, of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Black men also tend to be diagnosed at younger ages and to have high-grade disease. Dr. Brooks highlighted the problem in an interview with Public Radio International and a separate article for ACS.

Researchers have yet to determine all of the causes. Socioeconomic disparities likely play a role, however. In studies involving the military, which provides equal access to health services, the racial divide in prostate cancer deaths shrank – but did not disappear entirely.

Lack of health insurance or access to care would prevent black men from getting timely screening and treatment. Black men may also steer clear of the doctor’s office due to fears over the digital rectal exam or of cancer itself. Black men are also underrepresented in studies informing screening and treatment guidelines.

Educating black patients seems key. Clinicians should discuss the pros, cons, and uncertainties of prostate cancer screening and treatment with their patients, according to Dr. Brooks. The ACS recommends starting the conversation with black men at age 45.