Why Black Men Should Pay Attention to Their Prostates

Prostate cancer is a man’s disease that can prove fatal. Some men, however, are much more likely than others to develop it and some are even more likely to die from the cause. With this in mind, it’s critical for all men of advancing years to discuss screening with their healthcare providers. Black men especially will want to make sure screening is a part of their regular healthcare protocol starting around the age of 40.

Researchers have found that black men are much more likely than white men or those of Asian descent to develop the disease. They are, in fact, about 60 percent more likely than white men to be diagnosed with the disease than their white counterparts. They are also about 50 percent more likely to die from prostate cancer than whites. The issue is complicated even more by the fact black men tend to be diagnosed at an earlier age, about three years younger on average, than whites.

This all adds up to a very strong reason for black men to put screening high on their to-do lists. The likelihood of this type of cancer forming is even greater if a man happens to have a father or brother with the disease. Some other risks include workplace chemical exposure, diet, obesity and smoking, among others.

But, just why it is that black men are at a greater risk?

The simple truth is the jury is still out on the cause, but many researchers believe that genetics may play a role. Some genes have been found in black men in greater frequency than others. These genes are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and an increased risk for developing high-grade, potentially deadly tumors.

Prostate cancer screening can open the door for life-saving treatment for all men who develop the disease. Early detection, however, is critical. While some men will find screening may begin later in life, black men in their 40s are urged to discuss their risks with their healthcare providers. A few simple tests could very well prove to be lifesavers.