Screening for Prostate Cancer in Black Men
While the incidence of prostate cancer has declined in general over the years, the incidence and mortality rate among black men is disproportionately high. Screening recommendations differ among medical organizations, perpetuating the divide; this article aims to raise awareness and deliver clear direction for screening.
TREATMENT
Fortunately, there are several treatment options for men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer.22 These include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. The type of treatment chosen depends on many factors, such as the tumor grade or cancer stage, the implications for quality of life, and the shared provider/patient decision-making process. Indeed, choosing the right treatment is a specialized approach that varies according to case and circumstance.22
CONCLUSION
There has been an increase in prostate cancer screening in recent years. However, black men still lag behind when it comes to having DRE and PSA tests. Many factors, including cultural perceptions of medical care among black men, often cause delays in seeking evaluation and treatment. Developing consistent and uniform prostate cancer screening recommendations for black men would be an important step in reducing mortality and morbidity in this population.
