As researchers continue digging deeper into prostate cancer differences in black men, physicians are left with finding new ways to address disparities in their own communities. Active surveillance remains an option for identifying prostate cancer in black men, although low-grade prostate cancer is more aggressive in this population. Healthcare providers must also take into account the risks of overtreatment and other comorbidities that may be present.
Since black men are often found to have low PCa screening rates, which are much lower than those of men of other ethnicities, physicians may want to promote more aggressive screening. Increased education initiatives can also be beneficial for encouraging PCa screening in black men who are at risk. While black men face other potential barriers, such as lack of medical insurance or social support, physicians can continue to educate and work with these patients to make optimal treatment decisions.
References
Genomic Correlates to the Newly Proposed Grading Prognostic Groups for Prostate Cancer
Leading Cancer Cases and Deaths, All Races/Ethnicities, Male and Female, 2017
